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Waist Circumference Calculator

Waist size is a quick marker of abdominal fat, which carries more health risk than fat elsewhere. Measure around your waist at the navel and compare it with the WHO thresholds for your sex.

Your numbers

cm

Result

Health risk
Low risk
Waistcm
90
Risk thresholds (WHO)
LevelMen
Low riskbelow 94 cm (37 in)
Increased risk94-102 cm (37-40 in)
High riskover 102 cm (40 in)
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What the thresholds mean

The WHO links waist size to metabolic risk. For men, risk is increased above 94 cm (37 in) and high above 102 cm (40 in). For women, increased above 80 cm (31.5 in) and high above 88 cm (34.5 in). Abdominal (visceral) fat is more strongly tied to heart disease and diabetes than fat on the hips or thighs.

How to measure

Stand relaxed and wrap a tape around the waist at the level of the navel, snug but not compressing the skin, and breathe out normally before reading. Waist size complements BMI: two people with the same BMI can carry very different amounts of abdominal fat.

Informational and educational result. Not a substitute for professional advice.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  • World Health Organization — waist circumference and risk

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