Calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and find out how much your waist should measure for your height. It is one of the most practical and simple indicators of cardiometabolic risk, and we explain what role it also plays in lipedema.
The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) relates your waist circumference to your height. It estimates fat around the central part of the body and is a practical, simple indicator of cardiometabolic risk, because it adjusts your waist measurement for your height.
WHtR = waist (cm) ÷ height (cm)
Example: 80 cm ÷ 165 cm = 0.48Place the tape at the narrowest part of the abdomen, roughly between the last rib and the navel. Stand relaxed and do not pull tight.
Stand without shoes, back straight and eyes forward. Note both measurements in centimetres.
Enter your details in the calculator right below and get your WHtR (and also your BMI and waist-to-hip ratio) instantly.
Enter your details once and get your BMI, your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and the indicative result of the lipedema test. This is an educational tool: it does not replace medical diagnosis.
This tool is indicative and educational. It does not constitute a medical diagnosis nor replace the assessment of a healthcare professional. Lipedema Advanced Care | Medical direction: Dr. Alexo Carballeira.
Indicative reference values for the waist-to-height ratio. The core idea: keep your waist below half your height.
| WHtR | Interpretation | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Below 0.40 | Below expected | Low |
| 0.40 – 0.50 | Healthy range | Low risk |
| 0.50 – 0.60 | Increased risk | Review |
| 0.60 or more | High risk | Risk |
These are indicative reference values, not a diagnosis. The 0.50 boundary is the most established (Ashwell consensus): above it, higher cardiometabolic risk tends to be associated.
As a guide, your waist should measure less than half your height. In other words, your "target" waist is roughly your height in centimetres divided by two.
Reference waist below 80 cm (WHtR < 0.5).
Reference waist below 85 cm (WHtR < 0.5).
Reference waist below 90 cm (WHtR < 0.5).
These are guide figures for the general adult population; individual interpretation depends on each case.
WHtR assesses fat around the central part of the body. In lipedema, however, fat accumulates mainly in the legs and arms and spares the trunk, so WHtR on its own does not capture lipedema: a normal WHtR does not rule it out.
That is why we use it as a complementary measure, alongside BMI, the waist-to-hip ratio and a clinical assessment. In our practice we assess each case with a targeted history, palpation of the tissue and clinical staging of lipedema, beyond any single index. Learn what lipedema is and how it is diagnosed.
If you suspect your case could be lipedema, combine WHtR with these tools.
Estimates abdominal fat distribution. See the waist-to-hip ratio.
Relates weight and height as a general figure. See the BMI calculator.
9 key signs to guide you on whether you could have lipedema. Take the lipedema test.
Divide your waist circumference by your height, both in centimetres (WHtR = waist ÷ height). For example, 80 cm waist and 165 cm height: 80 ÷ 165 = 0.48.
As a general reference, less than half your height. For example, at 1.70 m the reference waist would be below 85 cm (a WHtR under 0.5).
As an indicative reference, a WHtR between 0.40 and 0.50 is considered low risk; above 0.50 cardiometabolic risk tends to increase. These are indicative values, not a diagnosis.
WHtR adds useful information because it reflects central fat, which BMI does not. They are complementary; neither is a diagnosis. It is best to interpret them together and with a medical assessment.
It is a complementary measure: WHtR assesses central fat, but lipedema builds up fat in the legs and arms, so a normal WHtR does not rule it out. It is best interpreted alongside other measures and a specialised assessment.
