measured at the narrowest point, around the navel
0 waist-to-height ratio
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Category (Ashwell)
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Healthy waist (max, ratio 0.5)
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Waist
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Height
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) = waist ÷ height. A simple rule of thumb is to keep your waist under half your height (ratio below 0.5). Ashwell bands: under 0.4 low, 0.4–0.5 healthy, 0.5–0.6 overweight, 0.6 and above obese. It works the same for men and women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?
For most adults, keeping your waist below half your height — a ratio under 0.5 — is considered healthy. Between 0.5 and 0.6 indicates increased risk, and 0.6 or above is high risk.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the navel, with the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin. Use the same unit for waist and height — the ratio is unitless.
Is WHtR better than BMI?
WHtR captures abdominal (visceral) fat, which is more strongly linked to heart disease and diabetes than overall weight. Many researchers consider it a better single screening measure than BMI, and it uses the same boundary for both sexes and most ethnicities.
Calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and see the Ashwell health band — a simple screen for abdominal-fat risk that uses the same cutoff for everyone.