Waist-to-height ratio
A simple measure of where you carry weight, which the scale cannot show.
Result
Enter your waist and height and your ratio appears here, with what it does and doesn't mean.
How it works
- Divides your waist circumference by your height. Measure at the midpoint between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips, relaxed, after breathing out.
- A common public-health guide is to keep your waist below half your height—a ratio under 0.5.
What it can't tell you
- This is a screening measure, not a diagnosis. It says nothing on its own about fitness, strength or health habits.
- Its real value is as a trend: re-measure every two to four weeks under the same conditions.
Understand the number
Why the scale lies to you
Daily bodyweight swings of 1–2 kg (2–4 lb) are normal and mostly water. Here is what the number is actually telling you, and what to track alongside it.
Losing fat without losing muscle
In a deficit your body draws on both fat and muscle. Resistance training, enough protein and a moderate rate of loss are what tip the balance toward keeping muscle.