Why use this instead of BMI?

BMI cannot tell where fat sits, and fat around the organs carries more health risk. Waist-to-height ratio captures that directly, which is why many researchers find it a better simple marker.

What is a healthy ratio?

Keeping your waist under half your height, a ratio below 0.5, is the widely used guideline for most adults.

Verified formulaLast reviewed July 2026

Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

A quick health check that many researchers consider more telling than BMI.

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Waist (in)

Height (ft)

Height (in)

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A mathematical estimate based on validated equations, for education only. It is not a diagnostic tool.

The science

Waist-to-height ratio compares your waist measurement to your height, and it is a simple, well-regarded marker of the fat stored around your organs. A common guideline is to keep your waist to less than half your height. It takes one measurement and often reflects health risk better than weight alone.

The formula

Waist measurement divided by height

Sources

1
Ashwell M, et al. Waist-to-height ratio as a screening tool.
2
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance

Common questions

This tool is for education only and is not a diagnostic device. Consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions.