Body Shape Calculator
Identify your body type from your bust, waist, and hip measurements — hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, or inverted triangle — with personalised style suggestions for each shape.
What is a Body Shape Calculator?
A body shape calculator classifies your figure into one of five universal categories using the ratio between your bust, waist, and hip measurements. Knowing your shape helps you choose clothing cuts that flatter your proportions — it’s the same system used by stylists, personal shoppers, and fashion magazines worldwide. Body shape is a guide for fit and styling, not a measure of health or attractiveness.
Your Measurements
Measure the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level
The narrowest part of your torso, usually 1–2 inches above your belly button
The widest point around your hips and seat
Result updates as you type
Your body shape
Pear (Triangle)
Hips are noticeably wider than your bust, with a defined waist. Weight distributes more around the hips and thighs.
Your ratios
Bust : Hip
0.95
Waist : Hip
0.74
Waist : Bust
0.78
Style suggestions
- check_circleA-line skirts and bootcut trousers balance the lower half
- check_circleDetailed or structured tops draw attention upward
- check_circleAvoid skinny bottoms with plain tops — flips the proportion
Body shape classifications are guides for fit and styling — every individual is unique. There is no “ideal” body shape; this calculator is for informational purposes only.
The 5 Body Shapes
- • Hourglass: bust ≈ hips, waist clearly smaller (defined waistline)
- • Pear (Triangle): hips wider than bust by 5%+, defined waist
- • Apple (Oval): waist similar in width to bust and hips, weight gathers centrally
- • Rectangle (Banana): bust ≈ waist ≈ hips, no strongly defined waist
- • Inverted Triangle: bust and shoulders wider than hips by 5%+
How Body Shape is Classified
Body shape classification uses three core ratios from your circumference measurements: bust-to-hip (overall balance), waist-to-hip (lower-body waist definition), and waist-to-bust (upper-body waist definition). The calculator runs these ratios through a hierarchical decision tree to find your closest match.
Worked example — hourglass: bust 90 cm, waist 65 cm, hip 92 cm. Bust and hip are within 5% (balanced), and waist is below 75% of both bust and hip (defined waist). Result: Hourglass.
Worked example — pear: bust 86 cm, waist 70 cm, hip 100 cm. Hip is 16% wider than bust — too unbalanced for hourglass. Result: Pear (Triangle).
The 5-shape system originated in mid-20th century fashion design and remains the most widely used framework for personal styling. More granular sub-shapes (e.g., “spoon”, “diamond”) exist in some systems, but the 5-shape model captures the meaningful differences for the vast majority of clothing fit decisions.
Measurement Tips
Use a flexible cloth measuring tape, kept level.
Wear thin clothing or measure on skin
Stand Naturally
Don’t suck in or push out.
Relaxed posture gives accurate ratios
Just a Guide
Body shape doesn’t determine health or beauty.
Use it for clothing fit decisions only
Who This Calculator Is For
Adults Checking Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Risk classification based on body fat distribution.
- Women low risk: <0.80
- Women high risk: ≥0.85
- Men low risk: <0.90
- Men high risk: ≥1.00
Adults Checking Waist-to-Height Ratio
Simpler measure of central obesity risk.
- Healthy: Waist ≤ 0.5 × height
- At risk: Waist > 0.5 × height
- Example: 170cm person should have waist ≤85cm
- Endorsed by: WHO as a simple universal metric
People with Healthy BMI but High Waist
"Skinny fat" risk assessment.
- Risk: Normal BMI with high waist = elevated metabolic risk
- MOH men: Waist circumference <90cm recommended
- MOH women: Waist circumference <80cm recommended
- Cause: Central adiposity linked to insulin resistance
Fitness Coaches and Health Screeners
Using body shape metrics alongside BMI.
- Part of: Four major body composition metrics
- Use alongside: BMI, body fat %, and waist circumference
- CHAS Screen for Life: Includes waist measurement for metabolic risk
- Polyclinic: Regular screening measures waist circumference
Body Shape Risk Indicators: Waist-to-Hip vs Waist-to-Height
| Metric | Waist-to-Hip Ratio | Waist-to-Height Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Fat distribution pattern | Central adiposity relative to height |
| Men: low risk | < 0.90 | < 0.50 |
| Women: low risk | < 0.80 | < 0.50 |
| Identifies "apple shape"? | Yes | Yes |
| Endorsed by WHO? | Yes | Yes |
| Simplicity | Medium (two measurements) | Simple (two measurements) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my body shape correctly?expand_more
Use a flexible measuring tape. For bust, measure across the fullest part while keeping the tape level. For waist, find the narrowest part of your torso (usually 1–2 inches above your belly button). For hips, measure the widest point around your hips and seat. Wear thin clothing or measure directly on skin for accuracy. Stand naturally — don’t suck in or push out.
What are the 5 main body shapes?expand_more
The five most commonly used body shape categories are: (1) Hourglass — bust and hips are roughly equal with a defined waist; (2) Pear (Triangle) — hips are wider than bust; (3) Apple (Oval) — weight gathers around the waist with similar bust/waist/hip widths; (4) Rectangle — bust, waist, and hips are similar with no defined waist; (5) Inverted Triangle — bust and shoulders are wider than hips.
Is one body shape healthier than another?expand_more
Body shape on its own does not indicate health — it primarily describes how weight distributes across the torso. However, research suggests that the apple shape (with central weight gathering and a higher waist-to-hip ratio) is associated with slightly higher cardiovascular risk than weight distributed at the hips, regardless of overall BMI. For a Singapore-specific health metric, use our BMI calculator (Asian standards apply).
Can my body shape change over time?expand_more
Yes — body shape can shift with significant weight changes, hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), and ageing. Targeted muscle building can also subtly alter proportions. The bone structure of your shoulders and hips, however, is largely fixed in adulthood, so most people stay within the same general category over their lifetime even as proportions shift.
Is this the same as a fashion body type calculator?expand_more
Yes — the 5-shape system (hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, inverted triangle) is the same one used by stylists, personal shoppers, and fashion guides. The measurement-based approach is more accurate than visual self-assessment because the ratios are objective, not subjective. The calculator also provides specific style suggestions for each shape.
What if my measurements put me between two shapes?expand_more
Many people sit between two categories — for example, "hourglass with pear tendencies" if your waist is defined but your hips are slightly wider. Our calculator picks the closest match using ratio thresholds. If your measurements are borderline, both shapes’ style suggestions may apply. Body shape is a guide, not a label.
Sources
- • Lee et al. (2007) — Development of a Body-Shape Classification System
- • Society of Apparel Engineers — Female Figure Type Identification standards
- • Health Promotion Board (hpb.gov.sg) — Body composition and waist-to-hip ratio guidance