Body Type Calculator
Determine your body shape for targeted outfit ideas and health awareness
Body Type Calculator
The Body Type Calculator is designed for females to find their "body shape," which can be used for getting targeted outfit Ideas. 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.
đ Body Measurements
đ Body Type Results
About Your Body Shape
Hourglass shape describes a person with hip and bust measurements nearly equal in size, with a narrower waist measurement. This body shape is often considered the classic feminine silhouette.
đ Measurement Guidelines
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.
đ Female Body Shapes in the Fashion Industry
In the fashion industry, body shapes are often categorized into four classes:
Apple (Inverted Triangle)
This body shape describes a person who has broader shoulders and bust than they do hips.
Banana (Straight/Rectangle)
This body shape describes a person who typically has waist measurements that are less than 9 inches smaller than the hip or bust measurements.
Pear (Spoon/Bell/Triangle)
This body shape describes a person who has hip measurements greater than their bust measurements.
Hourglass (X Shape)
This body shape (typically presented as the "ideal") describes a person with hip and bust measurements nearly equal in size, with a narrower waist measurement.
A study of more than 6,000 women conducted at North Carolina State University in 2005 revealed that 46% of women were banana-shaped; just over 20% were pear-shaped; just under 14% were apple-shaped; and only 8% were hourglass-shaped.
đ What is my body shape?
The female body shapes are based on societal standards that are subjective and are different in different cultures. The algorithm used in this calculator is based on a study published in the International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, which breaks down the body shapes of women into 7 categories. There are very wide ranges of actual sizes within each shape. Also, some body shapes may not fit into any of the shapes listed below.
Hourglass
If (bust - hips) ⤠1" AND (hips - bust) < 3.6" AND (bust - waist) âĨ 9" OR (hips - waist) âĨ 10"
Bottom Hourglass
If (hips - bust) âĨ 3.6" AND (hips - bust) < 10" AND (hips - waist) âĨ 9" AND (high hip/waist) < 1.193
Top Hourglass
If (bust - hips) > 1" AND (bust - hips) < 10" AND (bust - waist) âĨ 9"
Spoon
If (hips - bust) > 2" AND (hips - waist) âĨ 7" AND (high hip/waist) âĨ 1.193
Triangle
If (hips - bust) âĨ 3.6" AND (hips - waist) < 9"
Inverted Triangle
If (bust - hips) âĨ 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"
đ Waist-Hip Ratio
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. 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 have higher health risks as a result of their fat distribution.
WHR is also used as a measurement of obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines males with a WHR above 0.90 and females with a WHR above 0.85 as obese. This corresponds to a body mass index (BMI) above 30.
WHR is also correlated with fertility, with different values being optimal for males and females. 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.