Waist-to-Height Ratio (WtHR) Calculator
Assess your risk of obesity-related health issues by comparing waist size to height.
Your Measurements (Metric)
Measure midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone.
Measure your total height in centimeters.
Waist-to-Height Ratio (WtHR)
—
Ratio
Health Risk Status:
Awaiting calculation…
Aim for a WtHR below $0.5$ for optimal health.
Why WtHR is Better Than BMI
The **Waist-to-Height Ratio (WtHR)** is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than Body Mass Index (BMI). While BMI measures overall weight relative to height, WtHR directly indicates **central obesity**—the dangerous fat stored around the internal organs (visceral fat). The global health standard is to **keep your waist circumference less than half your height** (WtHR $< 0.5$).
The Simple WtHR Formula
The WtHR calculation is straightforward and unit-independent (as long as units are the same, e.g., both centimeters or both inches): $$\text{WtHR} = \frac{\text{Waist Circumference}}{\text{Height}}$$
Health Risk Classification
| WtHR Range | Classification | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Below $0.40$ | Severe Thinness | Malnutrition Risk |
| 0.40 – 0.49 | Healthy Weight | Low Risk |
| 0.50 – 0.59 | Increased Risk | Moderate Risk |
| 0.60 and above | High Risk | Severely High Risk |