Body Shape Calculator

Body shape is a ratio between the bust, waist and hip. It's used to understand body proportions and what clothing will fit best, not as a measure of health or beauty. This calculator classifies female bodies into seven different types and also shows the waist-hip ratio. Only this value actually has any health significance.

The seven body forms:

These body shapes are based on the studies of Lee, Istook, Nam and Park who measured thousands of women and classified them into seven body types. This calculator determines your body shape by measuring the difference between measurements in inches for each part of your body.

A study by North Carolina State University, which surveyed over 6,000 women, found that the rectangle shape is the most common body type and makes up about 46% of all women, which is significantly more than any other body type. This is followed by the pear shape with just over 20%, the apple shape with just under 14% and the hourglass shape with only around 8%.

How to calculate body shape:

This method does not use the original measurements but four differences. They are the difference between bust and hip, the difference between hip and bust, the difference between bust and waist and the difference between hip and waist. To be assigned to a particular body shape, bust and hips must stand in a certain relation to each other or one side must be more pronounced and the waist must have a certain width.

For example, the hourglass figure is defined as having a difference of no more than one inch between the bust and hip measurements, with the waist being at least nine inches smaller than the larger of those two measurements. If the bust and hips are similar in size, then the figure is considered rectangular if the difference in waist measurement is less than 9 inches. This body type lacks pronounced curves.

The value for the hip circumference at a higher position is only used to distinguish between the "spoon" figure in which the upper hip is high and looks like a shelf, and the "lower hourglass" figure in which the volume is lower. This calculation tool also works without entering the hip circumference at a higher position but cannot determine the "spoon" shape.

Waist-to-hip ratio and health.

Body shape refers to the balance and style of body build, while waist-hip ratio reflects health status. It is a value resulting from division of waist circumference by hip circumference, indicating what proportion of weight is concentrated in the abdomen area.

Fat deposits in the abdomen are a sign of an "apple" figure and are associated with higher health risks than fat on the buttocks and thighs. The World Health Organization considers a waist-to-hip ratio above 0.85 for women or above 0.90 for men to be a sign of increased risk. Studies have shown that the waist-to-hip ratio can predict heart problems more accurately than body weight alone or BMI.

Here's how to measure your body.

Use a flexible measuring tape, hold it horizontally and place it against the body but do not pull too tight. Measure either over thin clothing or directly on skin, and to get accurate results measure each size two to three times.

Bust is the length around the fullest part of your bust while wearing a well-fitting bra. Waist is the circumference of the narrowest part of your waist just above your belly button. High hip is the length around the uppermost part of your hips, which are located over your pelvis and about 7 inches below your waist. Hip is the length around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.

Can you change your body shape?

The basic skeleton, that is the position of bones and where the body stores fat easily are mostly determined by genetics and do not change much even with dieting. While weight goes up or down, measurements can change and there may be changes in body shape but the basic proportions will usually remain recognizable.

So the biggest value that can be extracted from your body shape is not a goal to change but knowing what type of clothing already flatters you. You can pick collars, cuts and silhouettes that will complement your body proportions in harmony.

This calculator is for general educational purposes and as a guide to clothing styles only. It does not provide medical advice. The body shape classifications are based on culturally diverse social conventions, and many bodies fall into the middle ground of multiple body shapes. If you have questions about your weight, waist-to-hip ratio or other health concerns, please consult with a qualified physician.