Know your central fat risk in seconds — just waist and height.
Your Measurements
Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually just above your navel), while relaxed and not holding your breath.
Your WHtR Result
WHtR Scale
How WHtR Works
The simple rule of thumb: keep your waist less than half your height (WHtR < 0.5). Research shows WHtR predicts cardiometabolic risk more accurately than BMI because it accounts for central (abdominal) fat, which is strongly linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Note: WHtR is a screening indicator, not a clinical diagnosis. Individual factors such as muscle mass, age, sex, and ethnicity can affect interpretation. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.
The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) calculator measures central body fat by dividing your waist circumference by your height. Unlike BMI, WHtR targets abdominal fat — the type most strongly linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The golden rule is simple: keep your waist less than half your height (WHtR below 0.5) for optimal cardiometabolic health.
A WHtR below 0.5 is considered healthy for most adults — meaning your waist circumference should be less than half your height. The ideal range is 0.43–0.52. Values above 0.53 indicate increasing cardiometabolic risk.
BMI uses total body weight relative to height, which doesn't distinguish where fat is stored. WHtR specifically measures central (abdominal) fat, which is a stronger predictor of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure than BMI alone.
Measure your waist at the narrowest point, usually just above your belly button (navel). Stand relaxed, breathe out normally, and don't suck in your stomach. Use a flexible tape measure and keep it level around your body.
The general threshold of 0.5 applies to both sexes, though some research suggests slightly different cut-offs (0.49 for women, 0.53 for men). This calculator uses the universal 0.5 boundary as the primary healthy limit, consistent with current public health guidance.