Enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements to instantly find your body shape type. The calculator identifies pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle, and inverted triangle shapes with key ratios and styling guidance.
✓Last verified: April 2026 · Sources listed below
in
Please enter a positive bust measurement.
Fullest part of the chest, tape parallel to floor
in
Please enter a positive waist measurement.
Narrowest point, usually 1 inch above navel
in
Please enter a positive hip measurement.
Fullest part of the hips and buttocks
📏 How to measure:
Stand relaxed. Use a soft tape measure. Do not hold your breath. Take measurements over light clothing or skin — not over thick layers.
Your Body Shape
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⚠️ Disclaimer: Body shape categories are general guidelines used for clothing and styling purposes. They are not medical classifications. This calculator does not assess health, body composition, or fitness. For health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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Sources & Methodology
✓Body shape classification methodology based on commonly used bust-waist-hip ratio thresholds referenced in academic fashion literature and NHS guidelines for waist-to-hip ratio health interpretation.
Academic analysis of body shape categorisation methods and the standard bust-waist-hip ratio approach
Methodology: Shape is determined by comparing bust (B), waist (W), and hip (H) measurements. Waist-to-hip ratio = W / H. Bust-to-hip difference = B - H. Waist definition = (B + H) / 2 - W. Thresholds applied: Hourglass: |B-H| <= 5% of larger && waist def >= 25% of B. Pear: H > B by >5%. Apple: W >= 0.80 x H or B > H by >5%. Rectangle: |B-H| <= 5% && waist def <25%. Inverted triangle: B > H by >5%.
⏱ Last reviewed: April 2026
How Is Body Shape Calculated in 2026?
Body shape classification uses three measurements: bust (fullest part of the chest), waist (narrowest point of the torso), and hips (fullest part of the buttocks). By comparing these three numbers through specific ratios, the calculator identifies which of the five standard body shape categories applies. These categories originated in the fashion industry as a practical guide to clothing fit, not as medical classifications.
The 5 Body Shapes Explained
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) = Waist / Hip
Hourglass: bust ≈ hips, waist >25% smaller than each | Pear: hip > bust by more than 5% Apple: waist is prominent relative to hips | Rectangle: bust ≈ waist ≈ hips Inverted Triangle: bust > hips by more than 5%
Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass shape has bust and hip measurements within about 5% of each other, with a clearly defined waist at least 25% smaller than the hip measurement. Weight is distributed evenly between the upper and lower body. This is often described as a balanced or "classic" figure. Example: bust 36 in, waist 26 in, hips 36 in.
Pear (Triangle) Body Shape
The pear or triangle shape has hips noticeably wider than the bust, typically by more than 5%. The waist is defined and the lower body is fuller than the upper. This is the most statistically common body shape. Example: bust 34 in, waist 27 in, hips 39 in.
Apple Body Shape
The apple shape carries more weight in the midsection. The waist-to-hip ratio is relatively high (above 0.80 for women) or the bust is significantly larger than the hips. The waist may not be clearly defined. Example: bust 40 in, waist 36 in, hips 38 in.
Rectangle Body Shape
The rectangle shape (also called banana or straight) has bust, waist, and hip measurements all within about 5% of each other, creating a straighter silhouette without a strongly defined waist. Example: bust 35 in, waist 33 in, hips 35 in.
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
The inverted triangle shape has shoulders and bust significantly wider than the hips — typically by more than 5%. This creates a broad upper body tapering to narrower hips. This shape is more common in people who are naturally broad-shouldered or who build significant upper body muscle. Example: bust 40 in, waist 34 in, hips 36 in.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio Reference Table
Shape
Typical WHR (Women)
Typical WHR (Men)
Health Risk (Women)
Hourglass
0.65-0.75
n/a
Low
Pear
0.70-0.79
0.80-0.89
Low
Rectangle
0.75-0.80
0.85-0.90
Low-Moderate
Apple
0.85+
0.95+
Higher
Inverted Triangle
0.70-0.80
0.85-0.95
Low-Moderate
💡 Health context: The waist-to-hip ratio is a more clinically useful indicator than body shape category. According to the NHS, women with WHR over 0.85 and men with WHR over 0.95 have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, waist circumference alone (over 35 in / 88 cm for women; over 40 in / 102 cm for men) is also a key clinical indicator. Consult your GP for personalised health guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hourglass (balanced bust and hips, defined waist), Pear / Triangle (hips wider than bust), Apple (prominent waist or bust wider than hips), Rectangle / Banana (bust, waist, and hips similar), and Inverted Triangle (bust wider than hips). These are styling guidelines, not medical categories.
Measure your bust (fullest part of chest), waist (narrowest point), and hips (fullest part of buttocks). Compare the three numbers: if hips are significantly wider than bust, you are pear-shaped. If bust and hips are similar with a defined waist, you are hourglass. This calculator does all the comparison automatically.
Hips are noticeably wider than the bust (typically by more than 5%), with a defined waist. Weight tends to accumulate in the hips and thighs. This is the most common female body shape.
Bust and hips are roughly equal in width (within 5%), and the waist is at least 25% smaller than the hip measurement. Weight is evenly distributed above and below the waist, creating balanced curves.
The midsection carries more weight. The bust and waist are wider relative to the hips, and the waist is not clearly defined. Waist-to-hip ratio is typically above 0.80 for women.
Bust: wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest at nipple level, parallel to the floor. Waist: measure the narrowest point, about 1 inch above your navel. Hips: measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, usually 7-9 inches below your waist.
Yes. Body shape shifts with weight gain or loss, pregnancy, hormonal changes, ageing, and exercise. Building upper body muscle can change a pear to a rectangle shape. Menopause often causes a shift from pear toward apple as fat redistributes from hips to waist.
WHR = waist measurement divided by hip measurement. Women: under 0.80 is low risk, 0.80-0.85 moderate, over 0.85 higher risk. Men: under 0.90 low risk, over 0.95 higher risk. A higher WHR is associated with greater cardiovascular and metabolic health risk.
Fitted styles that follow your curves — wrap dresses, belted coats, pencil skirts, and tailored blazers. Avoid baggy or boxy cuts that hide your waist definition.
Balance the lower half with structured tops, boat necks, off-shoulder styles, and bold necklines. A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers, and darker colours on the lower body all help create proportion.
Empire waist dresses, V-necks, wrap dresses, and longer layering tops create length through the torso. Darker solid colours in the midsection and attention on the legs and neckline work well.
Waist-to-hip ratio is clinically linked to cardiovascular risk. An apple shape (higher WHR) carries more visceral fat around organs, which is associated with greater metabolic health risk. However, body shape alone is not a medical diagnosis — BMI, blood pressure, and blood tests are all part of health assessment.
Bust or shoulders are significantly wider than the hips (by more than 5%). This creates a broad upper body tapering toward narrower hips. Common in naturally broad-shouldered people or those who train heavily for upper body strength.
Bust, waist, and hips are all within about 5% of each other, creating a straight silhouette with minimal waist definition. Also called banana or straight body shape. Creating curves with belts, peplum tops, and layering tends to add visual interest.