What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?

A ratio below 0.5 is the common healthy target — the "keep your waist to less than half your height" rule. Roughly 0.5–0.6 suggests increased central-fat risk and 0.6 or above suggests high risk. Boundaries are population heuristics.

Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator (WHtR)

Your measurements

Units

Waist

Measure at the belly button, relaxed — not where your trousers sit.

Height

Your ratio

0.49

Healthy

Half your height35 in

Target waist (< 0.5)Under 35 in

Bands: below 0.4 may indicate low weight, 0.4–0.5 healthy, 0.5–0.6 increased risk, 0.6 and above high risk. These are population heuristics and can read differently across body types and ancestries. Not a diagnosis.

How this works

Methodology reviewed July 2026

Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) divides your waist circumference by your height in the same units. Because it captures central (abdominal) fat directly, it tracks cardiometabolic risk at least as well as BMI in many studies — and needs nothing but a tape measure. The tool reports your ratio, places it on a risk band, and shows the "half your height" target waist derived from the 0.5 boundary.

Formula

WHtR = waist ÷ height   (both in the same units — in or cm)
Target waist (WHtR < 0.5) = height ÷ 2
Risk bands (Ashwell boundaries):
  <0.4 below healthy · 0.4–0.5 healthy · 0.5–0.6 increased · ≥0.6 high

Inputs

Waist circumference · Height · Units (inches / cm)

Outputs

Waist-to-height ratio · Risk band · Target waist under 0.5

Assumptions

Waist is measured at the belly button, relaxed — not where trousers sit.
Waist and height are entered in the same unit system.
The 0.5 "keep your waist under half your height" boundary applies as a general adult screen.

Limitations

The bands are population heuristics and can read differently across body types and ancestries.
Ratio alone doesn't distinguish visceral from subcutaneous fat or account for muscle and posture.
A value near a boundary means little; it is a screen, not a diagnosis.

Safety

Use WHtR as one signal among many, not a standalone verdict on health.
Discuss a persistently elevated ratio with a clinician rather than acting on the number alone.

References

Ashwell M, Gunn P, Gibson S. Waist-to-height ratio is a better screening tool than waist circumference and BMI for adult cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev (2012)

This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results are estimates based on published formulas and population averages — your individual values may differ. Nothing here is calculated on a server: everything runs in your browser and no data is stored or sent anywhere. Always consult a qualified clinician before making health, medication, or training decisions.