Body Type Calculator
Find your body shape based on your measurements. This calculator is designed for females to determine their body type, which can be used for getting targeted outfit ideas.
Circumference around the chest over the fullest part of the breasts, while wearing a properly fitted bra
The smallest circumference measured around the natural waist, just above the belly button
Circumference of the upper swell of the hip over the pelvic region (around 7 inches / 18 cm below the natural waist)
The largest circumference measured around the hips over the largest part of the buttocks
Female Body Shapes in the Fashion Industry
In the fashion industry, body shapes are often categorized into different classes. A study of more than 6,000 women conducted at North Carolina State University in 2005 revealed that:
- 46% of women were banana/rectangle-shaped
- Just over 20% were pear/triangle-shaped
- Just under 14% were apple/inverted triangle-shaped
- Only 8% were hourglass-shaped
Hourglass
Hip and bust measurements nearly equal in size, with a narrower waist
Also: X shape, triangles opposing, or facing inwards
Bottom Hourglass
Hips are larger than bust, with a well-defined waist
Top Hourglass
Bust is larger than hips, with a well-defined waist
Spoon
Hips are larger than bust, with a defined waist and fuller lower body
Also: Pear, bell, or triangle
Triangle
Hips are significantly larger than bust
Also: Pear shape
Inverted Triangle
Bust is significantly larger than hips
Also: Apple shape
Rectangle
Waist measurements are less than 9 inches smaller than hip or bust measurements
Also: Banana, straight
How to Measure
When measuring, be sure to stand straight with arms to the side. Make sure the tape is snug against the body, but not too tight such that it compresses the body (making the measurement inaccurate).
Bust Size
The circumference measured around the chest over the fullest part of the breasts, while wearing a properly fitted bra.
Waist Size
The smallest circumference measured around the natural waist, just above the belly button.
High Hip Size
The circumference of the upper swell of the hip over the pelvic region. It is around 7 inches (18 cm) below the natural waist.
Hip Size
The largest circumference measured around the hips over the largest part of the buttocks.
Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR)
Waist-hip ratio (WHR) is defined as the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference. The value is calculated by dividing waist measurement by hip measurement. A person with a 34" waist and 40" hip would therefore have a waist-hip ratio of 34/40, or 0.85.
Waist-hip ratio is sometimes used as an indicator of certain health conditions. Research has shown that people with more weight around their waist, or who have "apple-shaped" bodies, are at higher risk than those with more weight around their hips, or who have "pear-shaped" bodies.
Health Risk Guidelines
- According to NIDDK, women with WHRs above 0.8 and men with WHRs above 1.0 have higher health risks
- WHO defines females with WHR above 0.85 as obese
- WHR has been found to be more effective than BMI for predicting cardiovascular disease and mortality in people above 75
- Abdominal fat (apple-shaped bodies) results in higher health risks than peripheral fat
Other Considerations
WHR is also correlated with fertility. Females with WHRs above 0.80 have been found to have significantly lower pregnancy rates than those with WHRs between 0.70 and 0.79. Studies have also shown that men with WHRs around 0.9 are more fertile, tend to be healthier, and also have a lower chance of both prostate and testicular cancer.
Important Note
Even though there is some research linking certain body shapes with some health risks, the body shape result of this calculator is not intended to be a serious indication of health or an ideal that must be met. Instead, the waist-hip ratio, which is also shown in the results of this calculator, is a better indicator of health. Body shapes are based on societal standards that are subjective and different in different cultures. There are very wide ranges of actual sizes within each shape, and some body shapes may not fit into any of the shapes listed.