📐 Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
The waist-to-height ratio is one of the simplest health checks: keep your waist to less than half your height. It works for adults of any height.
How the Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator works
Your waist measurement is divided by your height, both in the same unit. Results of 0.5 or more suggest extra fat around the middle.
Step-by-step calculation
- 1Measure your waist.
- 2Use your height in the same unit.
- 3Divide waist by height.
Worked example
A 34-inch waist and a height of 70 inches gives 34 ÷ 70 = 0.49 — just under the 0.5 guideline.
Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator examples
| Waist | Waist-to-height ratio |
|---|---|
| 17 | 0.24 |
| 26 | 0.37 |
| 34 | 0.49 |
| 43 | 0.61 |
| 51 | 0.73 |
Other inputs kept at the calculator's default values. Results calculated by this calculator.
Why use a Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator?
A simple check for central fat that works at any height.
Important factors that can affect your results
- Measuring position.
- Same unit for both numbers.
- Pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the 0.5 rule come from?
It is used in UK NICE guidance and many studies as a simple sign of increased health risk from central fat.
Does it work for children?
Studies suggest it is useful from about age 5, but ask a pediatrician about a child's weight.
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Last reviewed November 2026 · How we build and check our tools · Report a problem