Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator for Women Over 40

Last reviewed: October 2026 by the Get Tips For Better Life Editorial Team

Your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compares the size of your waist with the size of your hips. It shows where your body stores fat, and fat around the middle is more closely linked with heart disease and type 2 diabetes than fat on the hips and thighs.

This free waist to hip ratio calculator for women gives your WHR, what it means, and two extra checks doctors also use: your waist size on its own and your waist-to-height ratio. No sign-up, and nothing you enter is saved.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator for Women

See your waist-to-hip ratio, what it means for your health, and two extra checks: waist size and waist-to-height ratio.

Please enter a realistic waist and hip size (hips are usually larger than the waist).

Measure your waist at the midpoint between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone, after breathing out. Measure your hips around the widest part of your buttocks. The 0.85 line for women comes from the World Health Organization; the 35-inch waist line comes from the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Not medical advice.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Chart for Women

Waist-to-hip ratioWhat it means for women
Under 0.80Commonly considered lower risk
0.80 to 0.84Moderate: worth keeping an eye on
0.85 or higherSubstantially increased risk (World Health Organization cut-off)

The 0.85 line for women comes from the World Health Organization. The lower bands are commonly used guides, not official WHO categories.

How to Measure Your Waist and Hips

  1. Waist: stand up straight, breathe out normally, and measure halfway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone. For most women this is just above the belly button.
  2. Hips: measure around the widest part of your buttocks, with your feet together.
  3. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and level all the way around.
  4. Measure over bare skin or thin clothing, and use the same method each time.

How to Calculate Waist-to-Hip Ratio

Divide your waist by your hips. Use the same unit for both.

Example: waist 33 in ÷ hips 40 in = 0.83. That’s in the moderate range for women.

Waist Size and Waist-to-Height Ratio

The calculator also shows two related checks:

  • Waist size: for women, a waist of 35 inches (88 cm) or more is linked with higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
  • Waist-to-height ratio: your waist divided by your height. Under 0.5 is a common healthy target (“keep your waist to less than half your height”).

If all three point the same way, that’s a clearer picture than any one number.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio vs. BMI

BMI only uses height and weight, so it can’t tell where fat sits. Two women with the same BMI can have very different waist sizes. Waist-to-hip ratio adds that missing piece. It’s best to look at both. Check yours with our BMI calculator for women.

Why Waist-to-Hip Ratio Changes After 40

During the menopause transition, falling estrogen makes the body more likely to store fat around the belly instead of the hips and thighs. Many women notice their waist growing even when their weight barely changes. That’s why WHR and waist size can be more useful than the scale in your 40s and 50s.

How to Lower Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio

You can’t choose where you lose fat, but these steps reduce belly fat over time:

  • Strength training 2 or more days a week, to keep muscle as you lose fat
  • Daily walking. Track it with the steps to miles calculator
  • A modest calorie deficit. Find yours with the calorie deficit calculator
  • Enough protein and fiber at each meal
  • Less alcohol and better sleep, both linked with belly fat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good waist-to-hip ratio for a woman?

Under 0.80 is commonly considered lower risk. The World Health Organization uses 0.85 or higher as substantially increased risk for women.

Is a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.85 bad?

It’s the point where the WHO considers risk substantially increased for women. It’s not a diagnosis, but it’s a good reason to talk with your doctor about blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks.

Is 0.75 or 0.8 a good waist-to-hip ratio?

Yes. Both are under the 0.85 line. 0.75 is in the lower-risk range, and 0.80 is right on the border of the moderate range.

Which is better, waist-to-hip ratio or BMI?

They measure different things. BMI checks weight for height; WHR shows where fat is stored. Using both, plus waist size, gives a better picture than either alone.

Does waist-to-hip ratio change with age?

Yes. In women, it often rises around menopause as fat shifts toward the belly.

How accurate is a waist-to-hip ratio calculator?

The math is exact. The result depends on measuring in the right places, so measure carefully and use the same method each time you check.

How fast can I lower my waist-to-hip ratio?

With steady fat loss, many women see their waist shrink within 2 to 3 months. Track it monthly rather than daily.

Should I see a doctor about my waist-to-hip ratio?

If your ratio is 0.85 or higher, or your waist is 35 inches or more, it’s worth asking your doctor to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

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This calculator is for general information only and is not medical advice. Read our Medical Disclaimer and Editorial Policy.

Sources

Health note: Content on this site is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor about health concerns.

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