What is waist-to-hip ratio?

Waist circumference divided by hip circumference.

Is waist-to-hip ratio a medical test?

No. It is a simple body-shape measure. Reports are for reference, not a medical diagnosis.

How often should I measure?

Many coaches re-measure every few weeks under the same conditions.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Explained: How to Measure and Read It

Waist-to-hip ratio explained

Waist-to-hip ratio compares your waist measurement with your hip measurement. It is a simple way to look at body shape.

Short answer

Waist-to-hip ratio is your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference. It describes where body fat is carried, and a higher ratio is generally linked with more fat around the middle. Many references use about 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women as reference points, so treat it as one indicator rather than a diagnosis.

Last updated: November 2026

The formula

Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference. For example, a 80 cm waist and 100 cm hips give a ratio of 0.8.

How to measure

Stand relaxed with feet together.
Measure the waist at the narrowest point or midway between ribs and hip bone.
Measure the hips at the widest point around the buttocks.
Use the same tape and the same time of day each time.

Trainer correcting a woman's kettlebell swing technique in a functional training area

What it tells you

It describes where weight is carried. It does not measure fat directly, and reference ranges differ between sources and groups. Talk to a qualified professional about what your numbers mean. Reports are for reference, not a medical diagnosis.

Automatic circumferences

Visbody scanners measure circumferences from the 3D model, so tracking is consistent from scan to scan.

See the M60

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