# Waist to Height Ratio Calculator

> Divide your waist by your height to get your waist-to-height ratio and see the NICE central adiposity category: healthy, increased or high.

Category: Health & fitness · Applies to: Worldwide · Last updated: 2026-10-29
Interactive calculator: https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/waist-to-height-ratio-calculator

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.

## Inputs
- Measured in (options: Centimetres, Inches; default cm)
- Waist circumference (default 80)
- Height (default 170)

## Results
- Waist-to-height ratio
- NICE category
- Half your height (waist to stay under)

## Formula

```
Waist-to-height ratio = Waist circumference ÷ Height (same units)
```

Where:
- Waist circumference: measured midway between lowest rib and top of the hip bone
- Height: standing height in the same unit

## Worked example
1. Ratio = 85 ÷ 170 = 0.50.
2. 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.

## What the result means

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 and limits
- 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.
- 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.

## Questions

### Why use waist-to-height ratio as well as BMI?

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.

### Does it work in inches?

Yes. Because it is a ratio, any unit works as long as waist and height use the same one.

## Sources
- [NICE guideline NG246: Overweight and obesity management (summary of waist-to-height ratio)](https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/pages/obesity/waist-to-height-ratio-whr)
- [NICE](https://www.nice.org.uk/)

## Related calculators
- [BMI Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/bmi-calculator)
- [Body Fat Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/body-fat-calculator)
- [Healthy Weight Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/healthy-weight-calculator)

_This is a general screening estimate for adults, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Talk to a qualified health professional about your health._

Source: GM¹X CalcVerse — https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/waist-to-height-ratio-calculator