How it works
Body shape is a comparison of three measurements — bust, waist and hips — not a judgement about size. The calculator compares them and names the common shape that fits.
- Measure the bust at the fullest point, the waist at its narrowest and the hips at the widest, keeping the tape level.
- The calculator compares the three numbers.
- It returns the closest of the standard shapes.
| Shape | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Hourglass | Bust and hips within about 5%, waist at least 25% smaller |
| Pear (triangle) | Hips larger than bust by more than 5% |
| Apple (round) | Waist larger than bust and hips |
| Rectangle | All three within about 5% of each other |
| Inverted triangle | Bust larger than hips by more than 5% |
Shape is useful for choosing clothes that fit without alteration. It says nothing about health — for that, waist measurement and body fat percentage are the numbers that matter.
Examples
Worked examples:
- 36-26-37 inches: bust and hips close, waist 28% smaller — hourglass.
- 34-28-40: hips 18% larger than bust — pear.
- 36-34-35: all three within 5% — rectangle.
Body Shape Calculator: frequently asked questions
- What are the main body shapes?
- Hourglass, pear (triangle), inverted triangle, rectangle and apple (round).
- What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
- The WHO links ratios above 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women to higher cardiometabolic risk.
- How do I measure for body shape?
- Measure your bust at the fullest point, waist at the narrowest point and hips at the widest point, with the tape level.
