Waist-to-height ratio calculator

What your result means

The simple rule is: keep your waist less than half your height. A ratio below 0.5 is the commonly used lower-risk range. A ratio of 0.5 or more suggests more fat around the organs, which is linked with diabetes, fatty liver and heart disease. This matters for Indians, who often store fat centrally even when BMI looks acceptable.

Learn more in waist size and health risk and see how BMI fits in at BMI for Indians and the Asian cut-offs.

How to measure

Stand relaxed, without sucking in your belly. Place a tape around the waist midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, snug but not pressing the skin. Read the tape after a gentle breath out. Measure your height without shoes.

Limits of this number

The 0.5 level was developed in studies of many populations and is only a screening line. It does not tell you what is causing the extra waist size, and a ratio below 0.5 does not rule out other health problems. It is not meant for children or pregnant women.

When to talk to a doctor

Speak to a doctor if your ratio is 0.5 or more, particularly if you also have high blood sugar, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes. A doctor can arrange the right tests and talk through next steps with you.