Waist-to-Height Ratio
The ratio of waist circumference to height — an indicator of fat distribution and cardiometabolic risk.
cm
cm
Waist/height ratio0.49
CategoryHealthy
How it works
Where you carry weight matters as much as how much you carry. Waist-to-height ratio is a quick indicator of the fat stored around the middle, which is the type most linked to health risk.
Divide your waist measurement by your height in the same units. A waist of 80 cm at a height of 175 cm gives 0.46. The common guideline is to keep the ratio below 0.5 — in short, keep your waist to less than half your height.
It is simple to measure at home and, unlike BMI, it reflects fat distribution, so it works reasonably well across different heights and builds.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly do I measure my waist?
Around the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button, with the tape snug but not compressing the skin. Measure while relaxed, at the end of a normal breath out.
Why is 0.5 the guideline?
Research links a ratio at or above 0.5 with higher risk from central fat, across many populations. "Keep your waist under half your height" is an easy rule to remember.
What does the result show?
It is an indicative body-fat distribution measure, not a medical assessment.