Body Type Calculator

Discovering Your Body Type

Accurate Measurement Techniques for Body Shape

To get the most accurate reading, ensure you’re standing tall with your arms relaxed at your sides. The measuring tape should be snug against your body without compressing it, which could skew the results.

• Bust Size: Measure the circumference around the fullest part of your chest, making sure you’re wearing a well-fitting bra.
• Waist Size: Find your natural waistline, typically the narrowest part, just above your belly button, and measure the circumference.
• High Hip Size: Measure the circumference around the upper swell of your hips, about 7 inches (18 cm) below your natural waist.
• Hip Size: Measure the circumference around the widest part of your hips, over the fullest part of your buttocks.

Understanding Female Body Shape Categories in Fashion

The fashion world often uses four main categories to describe female body shapes:

• Apple (or Inverted Triangle): Characterized by broader shoulders and bust measurements compared to the hips.
• Banana (or Straight/Rectangle): Defined by waist measurements that are typically less than 9 inches smaller than the hip or bust measurements.
• Pear (or Spoon/Bell/Triangle): Distinguished by hip measurements that are larger than the bust measurements.
• Hourglass (or X Shape): Often considered a balanced shape, with hip and bust measurements being roughly equal and a noticeably narrower waist.

A 2005 study at North Carolina State University involving over 6,000 women indicated that the most common body shape was banana (46%), followed by pear (just over 20%), apple (just under 14%), and hourglass (only 8%).

Identifying Your Body Shape

It’s important to remember that female body shape classifications are based on societal standards that can be subjective and vary across cultures. The algorithm used in this calculator draws upon research published in the International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, which categorizes women’s body shapes into 7 types. It’s also worth noting that there’s a wide range of actual sizes within each shape, and some individuals may not perfectly fit into any of the listed categories.

How to determine body shape?

Hourglass

If (bust – hips) ≤ 1″ AND (hips – bust) < 3.6″ AND (bust – waist) ≥ 9″ OR (hips – waist) ≥ 10″

Bottom hourglass

If (hips – bust) ≥ 3.6″ AND (hips – bust) < 10″ AND (hips – waist) ≥ 9″ AND (high hip/waist) < 1.193

Top hourglass

If (bust – hips) > 1″ AND (bust – hips) < 10″ AND (bust – waist) ≥ 9″

Spoon

If (hips – bust) > 2″ AND (hips – waist) ≥ 7″ AND (high hip/waist) ≥ 1.193

Triangle

If (hips – bust) ≥ 3.6″ AND (hips – waist) < 9″

Inverted triangle

If (bust – hips) ≥ 3.6″ AND (bust – waist) < 9″

Rectangle

If (hips – bust) < 3.6″ AND (bust – hips) < 3.6″ AND (bust – waist) < 9″ AND (hips – waist) < 10″

Calculating Your Body Shape Using Waist-Hip Ratio

What is Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR)?

The waist-hip ratio (WHR) is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference. For example, someone with a 34-inch waist and 40-inch hips would have a WHR of 34/40, or 0.85.

WHR as a Health Indicator

WHR is sometimes used as an indicator of potential health risks. Research suggests that individuals with more weight around their waist (apple-shaped bodies) may face higher risks compared to those with more weight around their hips (pear-shaped bodies). According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), women with WHRs above 0.8 and men with WHRs above 1.0 may have increased health risks due to their fat distribution.

WHR and Obesity

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a WHR above 0.90 for males and above 0.85 for females, which often corresponds to a body mass index (BMI) over 30. Obesity can be a risk factor for various serious health conditions, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Studies have indicated that WHR might be a more effective predictor of mortality in people over 75 and a better predictor of cardiovascular disease compared to both waist circumference and BMI. A study by Yusuf S, et al. suggested that redefining obesity based on WHR instead of BMI could significantly increase the proportion of people identified as being at risk of heart attack.

Abdominal Fat and Health Risks

Abdominal fat, common in individuals with apple-shaped bodies, has been linked to higher health risks compared to fat stored in other areas. A higher WHR indicates a greater amount of abdominal fat, and the higher the ratio, the greater the potential for health complications. For more information on different types of fat and the risks associated with excess weight or obesity, you can refer to our [Body Fat Calculator].

WHR and Fertility

WHR has also been linked to fertility in both men and women. Studies have found that women with WHRs above 0.80 may have lower pregnancy rates compared to those with WHRs between 0.70 and 0.79. Research also suggests that men with WHRs around 0.9 tend to be more fertile, healthier, and have a lower risk of prostate and testicular cancer.

Other Associations with WHR

Beyond health risks and fertility, WHR has also been explored in relation to cognitive abilities, as a measure of female attractiveness, and even in connection with the composition of food in a person’s diet.

References:

1. Lee, J.Y., Istook,C.L., Nam, Y. J., and Park, S. M.,, “Comparison of body shape between USA and Korean women”, International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol.19, No.5, 2007, pp.374-391.
2. Yusuf S, Hawken S, Ounpuu S, Bautista L, Franzosi MG, Commerford P, Lang CC, Rumboldt Z, Onen CL, Lisheng L, Tanomsup S, Wangai P, Razak F, Sharma AM, Anand SS (November 2005). “Obesity and the risk of myocardial infarction in 27,000 participants from 52 countries: a case-control study”. Lancet. 366 (9497): 1640-9.