How Body Type Is Calculated
The methodology behind BodyTypeCalc's body shape classification
BodyTypeCalc classifies your body shape from five circumference measurements - shoulders, bust, waist, high hip, and hip - using the ratios between them. Body type describes your skeletal frame, which is fixed once your skeleton matures; body fat and muscle change with diet and exercise and affect how your type looks, but not the type itself.
The five measurements
- Shoulders: Circumference across the widest part of the shoulders. Optional - inferred from bust if omitted.
- Bust: Circumference at the fullest part of the chest.
- Waist: Circumference at the natural waist, just above the belly button.
- High hip: Circumference of the upper hip over the pelvic region.
- Hip: Circumference at the widest part of the hips and buttocks.
The key ratios
- Waist-to-hip: waist / hip. Below 0.75 indicates a defined waist. The WHO uses 0.80 (women) and 0.85 (men) as central adiposity thresholds.
- Waist-to-bust: waist / bust. Below 0.75 indicates a defined waist relative to the bust.
- Bust-to-hip: How balanced the upper and lower body are. Within 2 inches (5 cm) is considered balanced.
- Shoulder-to-hip: Whether the shoulder frame is wider, narrower, or equal to the hips.
How each body type is determined
Bust and hip within 2 in (5 cm) of each other, and waist at least 9-10 in (23-25 cm) smaller than both bust and hip.
An hourglass with a slight bust-hip imbalance - top hourglass has a larger bust, bottom hourglass has larger hips.
Hips at least 3.6 in (9 cm) larger than bust, with waist-to-hip below 0.78.
Bust at least 3.6 in (9 cm) larger than hips, with waist-to-bust below 0.78.
Bust, waist, and hip within 2 in (5 cm) of each other, with waist-to-hip and waist-to-bust at or above 0.78.
Hips larger than bust with a high waist-to-high-hip ratio (>= 0.84).
Accuracy and limitations
Body type classification is descriptive, not a health assessment. Results depend on accurate measurements - measure 2-3 times and average them for the best result. The waist-to-hip ratio is a better health indicator than body shape. Body type does not indicate fitness, health, or attractiveness - every body type is valid.
References
- World Health Organization: waist-to-hip ratio thresholds (0.80 women, 0.85 men) for central adiposity risk.
- North Carolina State University (2005): a survey of 6,000 women found 46% rectangle, 20% pear, 14% apple, 8% hourglass.
- Classification is based on circumference ratios used in fashion and anthropometry.