Body Shape Calculator
Determine your body shape from bust, waist, and hip measurements. Identifies hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, and inverted triangle body types.
Enter your measurements and click Calculate.
How Does the Formula Work?
The Body Shape Calculator analyzes your bust, waist, and hip measurements to determine your body type and calculate health-relevant ratios. It classifies your silhouette into one of five recognized body shapes and computes the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), a clinically validated indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic health risk. This tool is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical assessment.
Body Shapes:
⏳ Hourglass: bust ≈ hip, waist < 75% of both
🍐 Pear: hip > bust by 5%+, defined waist
🍎 Apple: wide midsection, bust ≥ hip
📏 Rectangle: all measurements within 10%
🔻 Inv. Triangle: bust > hip by 5%+
WHO cut-off, one per sex (Table A1):
Women: ≥0.85 = substantially increased risk
Men: ≥0.90 = substantially increased risk
WHO defines no band below these values.
The waist-hip ratio cut-off above is WHO's, from Table A1 of its expert consultation report on waist circumference and waist-hip ratio. The five body shape rules above are this calculator's own, not WHO definitions.
The Five Body Shapes
The hourglass shape features balanced bust and hip measurements with a well-defined waist at least 25% narrower than both. This creates the classic curvy silhouette. The pear shape (also called triangle) has hips noticeably wider than the bust, with weight tending to accumulate in the lower body. The apple shape (also called round) features a wider midsection with bust equal to or larger than hips. The rectangle shape (also called banana or straight) has bust, waist, and hip measurements within 10% of each other, creating a straight silhouette. The inverted triangle has a bust significantly wider than the hips, often seen in swimmers and athletes with broad shoulders.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio and Health
The World Health Organization identifies WHR as an important predictor of health risk. Central adiposity (fat stored around the waist) is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome compared to peripheral fat distribution. Table A1 of the World Health Organization report on waist circumference and waist-hip ratio gives one cut-off per sex, 0.85 for women and 0.90 for men, against "substantially increased" risk of metabolic complications, and defines no band below those values. This tool applies exactly that single cut-off, as does our WHR calculator, so the two always agree. This metric complements BMI by accounting for where fat is distributed rather than just overall weight.
How to Measure Accurately
Stand relaxed in light clothing or underwear. Bust: wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, keeping it parallel to the floor. Waist: measure at the narrowest point, typically just above the belly button. Hip: measure at the widest point of the hips and buttocks. Use a flexible tape measure, keep it snug but not tight, and avoid compressing soft tissue. Measure at the same time of day for consistency, preferably in the morning. Record all three measurements in the same unit (centimeters recommended for precision).
Body Shape and Clothing
Knowing your body shape helps make informed clothing choices. Hourglass shapes are flattered by fitted garments that follow the natural waistline. Pear shapes benefit from A-line skirts and structured tops that balance proportions. Apple shapes look great in empire waists and V-necklines that elongate the torso. Rectangle shapes can create curves with peplum tops, belted dresses, and layered outfits. Inverted triangles are complemented by wide-leg pants and details that add volume to the lower body. The body shape result from this calculator gives you a starting point for understanding which styles tend to work best for your proportions.
Body Shape and Exercise
Understanding your body shape helps tailor fitness goals. Pear shapes may focus on upper body strength training to balance proportions. Apple shapes benefit most from cardiovascular exercise and core strengthening to reduce central adiposity. Rectangle shapes can build curves through targeted glute and shoulder exercises. Hourglass shapes maintain their proportions best with balanced full-body workouts. Inverted triangles can focus on lower body exercises like squats and lunges. Remember that exercise changes body composition, which may shift your body shape category over time.
Tips & Recommendations
Hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, inverted triangle. Based on bust/waist/hip ratios.
Waist-to-hip ratio against WHO's single cut-off per sex, color coded: 0.85 women, 0.90 men.
WHR, bust-to-waist, and hip-to-waist ratios for complete proportion analysis.
Works with cm or inches. All three must use the same unit. CM recommended for precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is body shape determined?
Body shape is calculated from the ratios between bust, waist, and hip measurements. The algorithm compares these three measurements to classify your silhouette into one of five types: hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, or inverted triangle.
What is waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)?
WHR divides your waist measurement by your hip measurement. WHO defines one cut-off per sex: 0.85 or above for women and 0.90 or above for men mean substantially increased risk of metabolic complications. WHO sets no band below those values, so the three-tier tables common on the web are not WHO's. Our WHR calculator applies the same single cut-off.
What is the most common body shape?
Rectangle (straight or banana) is the most common body shape, found in approximately 46% of women. Pear is the second most common at about 20%, followed by apple at 14%, hourglass at 8%, and inverted triangle at 12%.
Can my body shape change?
Yes. Weight gain, weight loss, muscle building, aging, and hormonal changes can all shift your body proportions. Regular re-measurement every 6-12 months captures these changes accurately.
Should I measure in cm or inches?
Either works as long as all three measurements use the same unit. The calculator computes ratios between measurements, so the unit cancels out. Centimeters are recommended for precision.
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