Shoulder to Hip Ratio Calculator

Calculate your shoulder to hip ratio to determine your body shape and proportions. This measurement is useful for fitness tracking and clothing fit.

How to Use This Calculator

Measure your shoulder width across the widest part of your shoulders
Measure your hip width across the widest part of your hips
Select your preferred measurement unit (centimeters or inches)
Click Calculate to see your shoulder to hip ratio and body shape classification

Formula Used

Shoulder to Hip Ratio = Shoulder Width / Hip Width

Where:

Shoulder Width = Measurement across the widest part of your shoulders
Hip Width = Measurement across the widest part of your hips

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A fitness enthusiast wants to track their body composition changes as they work on building shoulder width.

Given:

Shoulder Width = 46 cm
Hip Width = 36 cm

Calculation:

Shoulder to Hip Ratio = 46 cm / 36 cm = 1.28

Result: A ratio of 1.28 indicates a V-taper body shape, where shoulders are wider than hips.

Why This Calculation Matters

Practical Applications

Fitness goal setting and progress tracking
Clothing size and fit determination
Body composition assessment

Key Benefits

Helps identify your natural body shape
Guides targeted fitness and training approaches
Assists in selecting flattering clothing styles

Common Mistakes & Tips

Ensure you're measuring at the widest points. For shoulders, measure from the outer edge of one shoulder to the outer edge of the other. For hips, measure at the widest point, which is typically around the buttocks.

Always use the same unit for both measurements. The ratio will be the same regardless of whether you use centimeters or inches, but mixing units will give incorrect results.

Frequently Asked Questions

There's no universally "good" ratio as it depends on personal preferences and goals. Generally, a ratio greater than 1.0 indicates wider shoulders than hips (V-taper), while a ratio less than 1.0 indicates wider hips than shoulders (pear shape). A ratio close to 1.0 indicates a more rectangular shape.

Yes, to some extent. You can increase shoulder width through targeted strength training exercises for the shoulders and upper back. Hip width is largely determined by bone structure, but you can influence the appearance through glute development exercises. Significant changes take time and consistent effort.

For tracking fitness progress, measuring every 4-6 weeks is generally sufficient. This allows enough time for meaningful changes to occur. More frequent measurements may not show significant changes and could be discouraging.

References & Disclaimer

Health & Fitness Disclaimer

This calculator is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or fitness program.

References

Body Shape and Health Risk: A Review - Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
Understanding Body Composition - American Council on Exercise
Fitness basics: Starting a fitness program - Mayo Clinic

Accuracy Notice

The accuracy of this calculator depends on the precision of your measurements. For best results, use a flexible measuring tape and have someone assist you if possible. This calculator provides estimates only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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Tags:

health body-composition-weight-management shoulder hip ratio medical fitness body

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