Current for 2026•As of: July 2026

WHtR Calculator Calculate Waist-to-Height Ratio.

Enter waist circumference and height – get an instant risk assessment

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WHtR Calculator

Waist-to-height ratio: waist-to-height relationship and risk assessment.

50 cm150 cm
100 cm220 cm

Your WHtR

0.44

Healthy range

Classification by WHtR

Very lean< 0.40
Healthy range0.40 – 0.49
Overweight0.50 – 0.59
Severely overweight≥ 0.60

Medical notice: The WHtR is a screening value for cardiometabolic risk and does not replace a medical diagnosis. For an individual health assessment, please consult a doctor.

What is the WHtR?

Waist-to-height ratio as a modern health indicator

The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple body measurement index that relates waist circumference to height. The underlying rule of thumb is memorable: "Keep your waist circumference to less than half your height." For a person 180 cm tall, waist circumference should therefore stay below 90 cm – ideally below 80 cm (WHtR = 0.44). This rule applies across ages and sexes, which makes the WHtR the most universal of the three common body-fat indices (BMI, WHR, WHtR).

Research has shown that the WHtR correlates well with visceral fat (fat around the internal organs). Visceral fat is hormonally active and releases pro-inflammatory cytokines that promote insulin resistance, arteriosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. Unlike BMI, which does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass, the WHtR captures clinically relevant fat distribution. A meta-analysis of over 300,000 participants showed that the WHtR outperforms BMI and waist circumference alone in predicting cardiovascular risk factors.

Another advantage: the WHtR takes height into account. A 190 cm tall man with a 95 cm waist circumference has a WHtR of 0.50 – an elevated risk. The same waist circumference on a 160 cm tall woman results in a WHtR of 0.59 – an even more markedly elevated risk. Waist circumference alone would have rated both the same. This scaling principle makes the WHtR particularly suitable for population studies and individual risk screening.

WHtR categories at a glance

Classification by WHtR value

Very lean: WHtR < 0.40
Very low – possibly underweight or a very low body fat percentage. Medical evaluation recommended if symptoms occur.
Healthy range: WHtR 0.40 – 0.49
Optimal. Waist circumference is less than half of height. Low cardiometabolic risk.
Overweight: WHtR 0.50 – 0.59
Increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Dietary and exercise measures recommended.
Severely overweight: WHtR ≥ 0.60
Markedly elevated cardiometabolic risk. Medical consultation and structured intervention strongly recommended.

Calculation examples

Waist 80 cm, height 180 cm

Waist 80 cm, height 180 cm
ItemAmount
Waist circumference80 cm
Height180 cm
WHtR = 80 / 1800.44
CategoryHealthy range

Waist 95 cm, height 175 cm

Waist 95 cm, height 175 cm
ItemAmount
Waist circumference95 cm
Height175 cm
WHtR = 95 / 1750.54
CategoryOverweight

Frequently asked questions about the WHtR calculator

Meaning, thresholds and comparison with BMI and WHR

The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is the ratio of waist circumference to height. The formula is: WHtR = waist circumference (cm) / height (cm). A WHtR below 0.5 is considered healthy – this corresponds to the rule of thumb "keep your waist to less than half your height." The WHtR has the advantage of accounting for height, so it scales better than waist circumference or BMI alone.

According to current research, a WHtR below 0.4 is considered very lean (possibly underweight), 0.4 to 0.49 a healthy range, 0.5 to 0.59 overweight, and 0.6 or above severely overweight with a markedly elevated health risk. These thresholds apply to adults of both sexes – an advantage over the WHR, which has different thresholds for men and women.

Several studies show that the WHtR outperforms BMI in predicting cardiometabolic risk. A 2010 meta-analysis with over 300,000 participants found that the WHtR better predicts high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The WHtR combines the advantages of BMI (easy to calculate) with body fat distribution, which otherwise only the WHR captures. In addition, the thresholds are approximately the same regardless of sex and ethnicity.

Measure waist circumference at navel height, relaxed after exhaling, without pulling in your stomach. The tape measure should lie horizontally and snugly but not cut into the skin. Measure in the morning on an empty stomach for consistent comparison values. Measure height without shoes, standing upright against a wall, with the tape measure or measuring rod at the top of the head.

A WHtR of 0.44 falls within the healthy range (0.40–0.49). This means waist circumference is less than half of height – a good sign of a favorable body fat distribution pattern. The rule of thumb "waist smaller than half your height" is met at 0.44. Action is only needed from a WHtR of 0.50 and above.

Important note

These calculations are for non-binding information only and do not replace professional tax advice. All information without guarantee. Learn more

Sources & calculation basis

Our calculations are based on the following official sources (as of: July 2026):

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