Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Calculator
Compare waist size to height for a simple central-obesity screen
WHtR does not require age or sex cutoffs for interpretation. Measurements are converted consistently; results update instantly in your browser.Measurements
Your result
--Waist-to-height ratio
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Risk spectrum
Lower WHtRHigher WHtR
Chart spans approximately 0.30–0.85 WHtR; colored bands align with category thresholds.
| WHtR value | Risk category |
|---|---|
| < 0.40 | Underweight / possible malnutrition |
| 0.40 – 0.49 | Healthy / Low Risk |
| 0.50 – 0.59 | Increased Risk (Overweight / Central Obesity) |
| 0.60 – 0.69 | High Risk (Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome risk) |
| ≥ 0.70 | Very High Risk |
Health implications
“Keep your waist to less than half your height.” For many adults, a practical target is WHtR < 0.5 — i.e. waist circumference less than half of height (same units).
Children & adolescents: WHtR can be applied without age/sex charts (unlike BMI percentiles). A value ≥ 0.50 in youth often signals central obesity and higher cardiometabolic concern.
- Ideal (low risk): roughly 0.40–0.49
- Action point:≥ 0.50 (waist more than half height)
- High risk:≥ 0.60