Body Shape Calculator
Our body shape calculator uses the measurements of your hips, waist and bust to determine your body shape.To use the calculator and figure out your body shape, just choose whether you would like to enter your measurements in metric or imperial, type in your hips.
How to correctly measure your hips, waist and bust
Generally, the dimensions of a person's body are determined based on the circumference of their form at the three key points of the hips, waist and bust. To measure your three inflection points, as they are known, all you need is a tape measure. Remember to take all measurements standing upright with a straight back.
Hips: place the tape measure around the widest area of the hips, that is, the area where the curve of your hips is most marked.
Waist: place the tape measure around your torso at its narrowest spot. Typically, the narrowest part of your waist will be immediately above your belly button.
Bust: place the tape measure around your bust at its fullest point. Make sure the tape is not tight but is still nice and close.
These measurements are all you need to use our body shape calculator.
Explaining the different types of body shape
Hourglass: when the hips and shoulders are roughly the same width and the waist is substantially narrower than both.
Inverted Triangle / Strawberry: when the shoulders are substantially wider than the hips.
Straight / Rectangle / Banana: when the hips, shoulders and waist are roughly the same width.
Pear: when the hips are substantially wider than the shoulders.
Apple: when the hips and shoulders are roughly the same width and the waist is substantially wider than both.
What is Body Shape Calculator
A Body Shape Calculator is a tool used to classify or determine an individual's body shape based on various measurements or characteristics. It can provide insight into the distribution of body fat and overall body proportions. However, it's important to note that body shape is a subjective classification and can vary depending on different cultural standards or classification systems. Here are a few common methods used by body shape calculators:
-
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR): This method involves measuring the circumference of the waist and hips and then calculating the ratio between the two. The waist-to-hip ratio can help identify body shapes such as apple-shaped (android) or pear-shaped (gynoid).
- Apple-shaped (android): Higher waist-to-hip ratio, with more weight around the waist area.
- Pear-shaped (gynoid): Lower waist-to-hip ratio, with more weight around the hip and thigh area.
-
Body Mass Index (BMI): The BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. While BMI is primarily used to assess weight status (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese), it can also provide some indication of body shape.
- Ectomorph: Lower BMI, characterized by a slender or thin body.
- Mesomorph: Moderate BMI, characterized by a muscular or athletic body.
- Endomorph: Higher BMI, characterized by a heavier or rounder body.
-
Body Fat Distribution: This method considers the distribution of body fat in different areas of the body, such as the waist, hips, thighs, and arms. It often utilizes visual or subjective assessments to classify body shape.
- Hourglass: Balanced fat distribution, with a narrower waist and proportionate hips and bust.
- Rectangle: Even fat distribution, with a relatively straight or athletic-shaped body.
- Triangle: More fat accumulation in the lower body, with wider hips and narrower shoulders.
- Inverted Triangle: More fat accumulation in the upper body, with broader shoulders and narrower hips.
It's worth mentioning that body shape calculators provide general classifications and may not capture individual variations or nuances. Additionally, body shape is influenced by genetic factors, muscle mass, and overall body composition. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of body shape and assist in setting appropriate health or fitness goals.
Body Shape Calculator Example
Certainly! Here's an example of using a table to calculate the body shape for different individuals:
Assume the following information for three individuals:
| Individual | Waist Circumference (cm) | Hip Circumference (cm) | Body Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Person A | 80 | 90 | Pear-Shaped |
| Person B | 70 | 70 | Rectangle |
| Person C | 95 | 100 | Apple-Shaped |
To determine the body shape for each person, we can compare their waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measurements:
For females:
- Pear-shaped: WHR < 0.8
- Rectangle: 0.8 ≤ WHR < 0.85
- Apple-shaped: WHR ≥ 0.85
Using the given values, we can calculate the WHR for each individual and determine their body shape:
For Person A: WHR = Waist Circumference / Hip Circumference = 80 / 90 ≈ 0.89
Since WHR ≥ 0.85, Person A is classified as "Apple-Shaped."
For Person B: WHR = Waist Circumference / Hip Circumference = 70 / 70 = 1
Since WHR is exactly 1, Person B is classified as "Rectangle."
For Person C: WHR = Waist Circumference / Hip Circumference = 95 / 100 = 0.95
Since WHR < 0.8, Person C is classified as "Pear-Shaped."
Therefore, Person A is "Apple-Shaped," Person B is "Rectangle," and Person C is "Pear-Shaped."
Using a table allows you to input the waist and hip circumference for each individual and classify their respective body shape based on the calculated WHR. Body shape classification provides insight into body fat distribution patterns, which can be useful for understanding potential health risks and determining appropriate lifestyle interventions. However, it's important to note that this is a general categorization and individual variations exist. Consultation with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is recommended for personalized body shape analysis and guidance on improving overall health.
