{
    "name": "Waist to Height Ratio Calculator",
    "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/waist-to-height-ratio-calculator",
    "markdown": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/waist-to-height-ratio-calculator.md",
    "category": "Health & fitness",
    "description": "Divide your waist by your height to get your waist-to-height ratio and see the NICE central adiposity category: healthy, increased or high.",
    "summary": "Keep your waist to less than half your height. The waist-to-height ratio is a simple measure of fat around the middle, which NICE uses alongside BMI to assess health risk.",
    "also_called": [
        "WHtR calculator",
        "Waist-to-height ratio calculator"
    ],
    "applies_to": "Worldwide",
    "last_updated": "2026-10-29",
    "computation": "Results are computed in the visitor’s browser on the HTML page. This API describes the calculator; it does not compute results.",
    "inputs": [
        {
            "name": "unit",
            "label": "Measured in",
            "type": "segmented",
            "default": "cm",
            "options": {
                "cm": "Centimetres",
                "in": "Inches"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "waist",
            "label": "Waist circumference",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "80"
        },
        {
            "name": "height",
            "label": "Height",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "170"
        }
    ],
    "outputs": [
        {
            "key": "ratio",
            "label": "Waist-to-height ratio",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "category",
            "label": "NICE category",
            "format": "text"
        },
        {
            "key": "half_height",
            "label": "Half your height (waist to stay under)",
            "format": "number"
        }
    ],
    "formula": {
        "text": "Waist-to-height ratio = Waist circumference ÷ Height (same units)",
        "variables": {
            "Waist circumference": "measured midway between lowest rib and top of the hip bone",
            "Height": "standing height in the same unit"
        }
    },
    "worked_example": {
        "inputs": {
            "unit": "cm",
            "waist": "85",
            "height": "170"
        },
        "steps": [
            "Ratio = 85 ÷ 170 = 0.50.",
            "NICE: 0.5 to 0.59 is increased central adiposity."
        ],
        "result": "An 85 cm waist at 170 cm tall is a ratio of 0.50, which NICE classes as increased central adiposity."
    },
    "interpretation": "NICE categories: 0.4 to 0.49 healthy central adiposity; 0.5 to 0.59 increased central adiposity and increased health risk; 0.6 or more high central adiposity and further increased health risk. A rising ratio is a reason to talk to a GP or practice nurse, not a diagnosis.",
    "assumptions": [
        "NICE NG246 applies these categories to adults with a BMI under 35 and to children and young people, of both sexes and all ethnicities.",
        "The ratio is rounded to two decimals before it is categorised."
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "It does not measure body fat directly and is less useful during pregnancy.",
        "Measurement technique matters: a tape placed at the navel or pulled tight changes the result."
    ],
    "rules": null,
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "Why use waist-to-height ratio as well as BMI?",
            "answer": "BMI does not show where fat is stored. Fat around the abdomen is linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and waist-to-height ratio picks this up."
        },
        {
            "question": "Does it work in inches?",
            "answer": "Yes. Because it is a ratio, any unit works as long as waist and height use the same one."
        }
    ],
    "sources": [
        {
            "title": "NICE guideline NG246: Overweight and obesity management (summary of waist-to-height ratio)",
            "url": "https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/pages/obesity/waist-to-height-ratio-whr"
        },
        {
            "title": "NICE",
            "url": "https://www.nice.org.uk/"
        }
    ],
    "related": [
        {
            "name": "BMI Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/bmi-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Body Fat Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/body-fat-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Healthy Weight Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/healthy-weight-calculator"
        }
    ],
    "disclaimer": "This is a general screening estimate for adults, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Talk to a qualified health professional about your health.",
    "publisher": "GM¹X CalcVerse"
}