Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Check whether your waist is less than half your height, a simple and well-supported heart-health marker.
About the Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
NICE guideline NG246 (2025) uses the waist-to-height ratio to assess central fat in adults: 0.4 to 0.49 is healthy, 0.5 to 0.59 indicates increased health risk and 0.6 or more further increased risk. The same cut-offs apply to both sexes and all ethnicities, and can flag risk that BMI misses.
The formula
WHtR = waist ÷ height (same units)
NICE NG246 categories (adults)
| Ratio | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0.4 to 0.49 | Healthy central adiposity |
| 0.5 to 0.59 | Increased central adiposity: increased health risk |
| 0.6 or more | High central adiposity: further increased risk |
Worked example
Example: Waist-to-height ratio = 0.45
- Inputs: Units: lb / ft; Height: 6 ft; and: 10 in; Waist (midway between lowest rib and hip bone): 37 in.
- Formula: WHtR = waist ÷ height (same units)
- Result: Waist-to-height ratio = 0.45
- Waist target (half your height): under 41 in
Things to keep in mind
- This is an estimate for general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other qualified professional about your health.
- NICE applies these categories to adults with a BMI under 35.
Questions people ask
What's an easy rule of thumb?
Keep your waist to less than half your height.
Why use it alongside BMI?
It reflects fat around the organs, which links closely to diabetes and heart disease, and it isn't fooled by muscle.