Measurement Guide
How to Measure Waist and Hips
Waist and hip measurements together help you find your body shape, calculate your waist-to-hip ratio, and choose the right clothing size. This guide covers both measurements in one simple session.
Waist and Hip Measurements
These two measurements are the core inputs for body shape type and waist-to-hip ratio calculations.
What You Need
Before You Start
Measuring your waist and hips together takes only a few minutes with the right preparation.
Flexible Tape Measure
A soft cloth or plastic measuring tape is essential. Metal or rigid tapes will not wrap properly around curved body areas.
Thin Clothing
Wear underwear or a fitted thin layer. Remove jeans, belts, thick tops, or anything that adds bulk around the waist or hips.
A Mirror
A full-length or side mirror helps you verify that your tape is level at both the waist and hip positions.
Part 1
How to Measure Your Waist
Always measure your waist before your hips so you start at the top and work downward.
Find Your Natural Waist
Bend gently to one side and find the crease or fold that forms in your midsection. This is your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso. It is usually 1 to 2 inches above your belly button, not at the belly button level.
Wrap the Tape at the Narrowest Point
Wrap the tape around your natural waist. Keep it horizontal and parallel to the floor all the way around. The tape should be snug but not compressing your skin.
Breathe Out and Read
Breathe out gently and stand naturally. Read the number where the tape meets the beginning without sucking in your stomach. Record your waist measurement in inches or centimeters.
Part 2
How to Measure Your Hips
After measuring your waist, move the tape down to the widest part of your hips for the hip measurement.
Find the Widest Part of Your Hips
The hip measurement is taken at the widest point of your hips and buttocks. This is usually 7 to 9 inches below your natural waist. Stand sideways and look in a mirror to find the fullest point of your hip and seat area.
Wrap the Tape Around the Widest Point
Position the tape at the widest part of your hips. Keep it parallel to the floor and at the same height front and back. The tape should be snug and flat without digging in.
Read and Record Your Hip Measurement
Stand straight and read the measurement where the tape meets the beginning. Write down your hip measurement in the same unit as your waist measurement.
Using Your Measurements
What to Do with Waist and Hip Measurements
Your waist and hip numbers can be used in several different calculations.
Waist to Hip Ratio
Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement to find your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). For example, a 28 inch waist and 38 inch hips gives a WHR of 0.74. This ratio is used in health and body proportion guidelines.
Calculate WHR →Body Shape Calculator
Enter waist, hip, bust, and high hip measurements into our body shape calculator to find whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, or other body shape.
Try the Calculator →Clothing Size
Your waist and hip measurements are used in clothing size charts for jeans, skirts, trousers, and dresses. Compare your numbers directly to brand size charts for the best fit estimate.
Dress Size Calculator
Bust, waist, and hip measurements together help estimate your dress size in US and UK sizing. Use our dress size calculator for a quick estimate.
Dress Size Tool →