Waist-to-Height Ratio
Your waist should be less than half your height. This simple ratio predicts metabolic health risk better than BMI alone.
Waist-to-height ratio
0.486
Health risk
Healthy
Guideline: keep your waist less than half your height (WHtR < 0.5).
Formula
WHtR = waist circumference ÷ height (healthy < 0.5)How to use the Waist-to-Height Ratio
- 1Measure your waist at the navel
- 2Enter waist and height in the same units
- 3Read your ratio and risk category
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
It captures central (visceral) fat — the metabolically dangerous kind — which BMI misses entirely.
What ratio is healthy?
Under 0.5 is the guideline for all adults. 0.5–0.6 raises risk; over 0.6 significantly increases cardiometabolic risk.