Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator

Waist-to-height ratio chart

The risk bands behind the 0.5 boundary. Source: Ashwell & Gibson 2016 (BMJ Open) and NICE NG246.

Waist-to-height, common questions

What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?

Below 0.5. The simple rule, endorsed by NICE in the UK, is to keep your waist circumference under half your height. A ratio of 0.4 to 0.5 is the healthy band, 0.5 to 0.6 signals increased risk, and 0.6 or above signals high risk.

Why is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?

BMI cannot tell muscle from fat or say where fat sits. Waist-to-height ratio captures central (abdominal) fat, which is the type most strongly linked to metabolic and cardiovascular risk. It works across ages, sexes, and ethnicities with a single boundary, which BMI does not.

How do I measure my waist correctly?

Measure at the level of your navel, standing relaxed, after breathing out normally. Do not pull the tape tight or suck in. Use your trouser tape measurement, not your trouser label size, which is usually smaller than reality.

References

• Ashwell M & Gibson S 2016, BMJ Open (waist-to-height 0.5)
• NICE guideline NG246 (2022): waist-to-height < 0.5
• Browning LM et al. 2010, Nutr Res Rev (0.5 boundary across populations)

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