Body Type Calculator
Determine your body shape type using shoulder, waist, and hip measurements with waist-to-hip ratio analysis. Get instant classification into hourglass, pear, apple, inverted triangle, or rectangle with charts.
About This Calculator
Our Body Type Calculator helps you determine your body shape using three simple measurements: shoulder width, waist circumference, and hip circumference. By calculating your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and shoulder-to-hip ratio (SHR), the calculator classifies you into one of five body shapes using standard anthropometric thresholds.
The classification system evaluates the proportional relationships between your shoulders, waist, and hips. An hourglass figure has balanced upper and lower body with a clearly defined waist. A pear shape has hips wider than shoulders. An apple shape carries more weight around the midsection. An inverted triangle has shoulders broader than hips. A rectangle has balanced measurements without a pronounced waist.
How to Take Accurate Measurements
For the most accurate results, use a flexible measuring tape. Measure your shoulders at the widest point across your back. Measure your waist at its narrowest point, typically just above the belly button. Measure your hips at the widest point below the waist, keeping feet together. Take measurements over lightweight clothing or directly on skin for precision.
Health Implications
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies waist-to-hip ratio as an important health indicator. A WHR above 0.85 for women or 0.90 for men indicates higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Use this calculator alongside tools like our BMI Calculator, Body Fat Calculator, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator for a complete health assessment.
Regional Notes
India: The calculator uses metric (cm) units by default. Average Indian female measurements are approximately shoulder 38 cm, waist 80 cm, hip 92 cm. United States: The calculator defaults to inches for US users. Average US female measurements are approximately shoulder 16 in, waist 32 in, hip 38 in. United Kingdom: The calculator uses metric units. Average UK female measurements are approximately shoulder 40 cm, waist 82 cm, hip 95 cm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the body type calculator work?
The body type calculator uses your shoulder, waist, and hip measurements to calculate waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and shoulder-to-hip ratio (SHR). Based on these ratios, it classifies your body shape into one of five types: hourglass, pear, apple, inverted triangle, or rectangle using standard anthropometric classification thresholds.
What are the five body types?
The five main body types are: Hourglass (bust and hips balanced with a defined waist), Pear/Triangle (hips wider than shoulders), Apple (waist wider than hips), Inverted Triangle (shoulders wider than hips), and Rectangle (balanced proportions without a defined waist). Each shape has distinct measurement ratios that our calculator evaluates.
How do I measure my shoulder, waist, and hip correctly?
Measure your shoulders at the widest point across your back using a soft measuring tape. For your waist, measure at the narrowest part of your torso, typically just above your belly button. Measure your hips at the widest point below your waist, keeping your feet together for accuracy. Use centimeters for consistent metric results.
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy waist-to-hip ratio is below 0.85 for women and below 0.90 for men. A ratio above these thresholds indicates higher health risks associated with abdominal obesity, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Can men use this body type calculator?
Yes, this body type calculator works for both men and women. While body shape classification was originally developed for women's fashion, the shoulder-waist-hip ratio method provides useful body composition insights for everyone. Men typically fall into rectangle, inverted triangle, or apple categories.
Can my body shape change over time?
Yes, body shape can change with weight gain or loss, muscle building, aging, and hormonal changes. For women, pregnancy and menopause can significantly alter body shape due to hormonal shifts and fat redistribution. Regular exercise targeting specific muscle groups can also change your body proportions over time.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, the body type calculator is completely free to use with no registration or hidden charges. Your results are generated instantly and you can share them via a unique URL that saves your input measurements.
What is the difference between body type and body shape?
Body type (somatotype) refers to the ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph classification system based on metabolic and muscular tendencies. Body shape refers to the geometric classification (hourglass, pear, apple, etc.) based on bone structure and fat distribution measurements. This calculator determines your body shape using measurement ratios.