Waist-to-height ratio calculator
Divide your waist by your height. Under 0.5 is the healthy range for most adults: keep your waist to less than half your height.
Short answer
Waist-to-height ratio = waist ÷ height (same units). A ratio under 0.5 is the healthy range for adults per UK NICE guidance; 0.5–0.59 means increased risk and 0.6 or more high risk.
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What the ranges mean
| Ratio | Meaning (NICE, 2022) |
|---|---|
| 0.40–0.49 | Healthy central adiposity |
| 0.50–0.59 | Increased health risk |
| 0.60 or more | High health risk |
Waist-to-height ratio reflects belly fat better than BMI and works across sexes and most ethnicities. Measure your waist halfway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips, after breathing out normally. See how to measure your waist.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a good waist-to-height ratio?
Between 0.4 and 0.5 for most adults. Above 0.5 means increased health risk.
Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
For health risk from belly fat, often yes. The UK’s NICE recommends it alongside BMI because it accounts for fat around the middle.
Where do I measure my waist?
NICE advises halfway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, relaxed, after breathing out.