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Waist-to-height ratio and adult chart

Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator & Adult Chart

Use matching units for waist and height. Confirm the chart's adult scope to see a category alongside your ratio.

No account needed. Free tracking, from the first entry.

A little about you

Stand upright without shoes to measure your height.

Measure halfway between your lowest ribs and the top of your hips after a natural exhale, keeping the tape level without compressing your skin.

Adult chart scope

Waist-to-height ratio
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Waist divided by height, in the same units. This is an indicator of central adiposity, not body-fat percentage or a diagnosis. Ratios below 0.4 are outside the stated NICE classification range.

Waist-to-height ratio

CategoryRatio range
Below the stated NICE range< 0.4
Healthy central adiposity0.4 – < 0.5
Increased central adiposity0.5 – < 0.6
High central adiposity≥ 0.6

Adult chart scope

NICE waist-to-height ratio guidance

For adults. Estimates are not medical advice. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, eating disorders and medical conditions need individualized guidance.

The method, in plain language.

Measure and divide

Measure waist halfway between the lowest ribs and top of the hips after a natural exhale. Ratio = waist ÷ height in the same units. This tool accepts heights of 100–250 cm and waists of 20–300 cm, or equivalent inches.

Understand the chart limits

For adults with BMI below 35 who are not pregnant, NICE classifies 0.4–<0.5 as healthy central adiposity, 0.5–<0.6 as increased and ≥0.6 as high. Below 0.4 is outside the stated classification range, not labelled healthy.

Methods & sourcesNICE waist-to-height ratio guidance

Find the right starting point.

One shared calculation engine, with a focus that fits your goal.

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A few useful answers

Does this measure body-fat percentage?

No. The ratio indicates central adiposity. It is neither a body-fat percentage measurement nor a diagnosis.

Why can I see a ratio without a category?

The arithmetic is available with valid measurements. Category interpretation requires confirmation that you are an adult, have BMI below 35 and are not pregnant.