Body Shape Calculator (Female)
This professional body shape calculator classifies female body shapes using bust, waist, hips, high-hip, and shoulders. It is designed for apparel fit, styling, and self‑assessment. Enter your measurements to get an instant, transparent classification with interpretable ratios.
Calculator
Results
Enter your measurements to see your body shape, ratios, and a visual comparison.
Measurement comparison
Data Source and Methodology
Primary source: Simmons, K., Istook, C. L., & Devarajan, P. (2004). Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) for Apparel — Part I: Describing female shapes. Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, 4(1). Direct PDF.
Measurement protocol: BS EN 13402 — Size designation of clothes (2017). Standard overview.
Health ratio reference (contextual only): World Health Organization. Waist-to-hip ratio: A simple method for assessing central fat distribution (2011). WHO.
All calculations are strictly based on the formulas and thresholds derived from these sources and documented below.
The Formula Explained
Let B = bust, W = waist, H = full hip, HH = high-hip, S = shoulders (all in the same unit). We compute:
Inline ratios:
WHR: $\\displaystyle \\mathrm{WHR} = \\frac{W}{H}$
Bust-to-Hip: $\\displaystyle \\mathrm{B/H} = \\frac{B}{H}$
Shoulder-to-Hip: $\\displaystyle \\mathrm{S/H} = \\frac{S}{H}$
Waist-to-Mean(B,H): $\\displaystyle W_m = \\frac{W}{\\frac{B+H}{2}}$
Classification rules (simplified from FFIT-inspired thresholds):
Hourglass: $\\displaystyle \\bigg|\\frac{B-H}{\\max(B,H)}\\bigg| \\le 0.05\\ \\land\\ W_m \\le 0.75$
Top Hourglass: $\\displaystyle \\frac{B-H}{H} > 0.05\\ \\land\\ W_m \\le 0.75$
Bottom Hourglass: $\\displaystyle \\frac{H-B}{B} > 0.05\\ \\land\\ W_m \\le 0.75$
Spoon: $\\displaystyle H \\ge 1.09\\,B\\ \\land\\ (HH\\ \\text{given} \\Rightarrow H \\ge 1.05\\,HH)\\ \\land\\ \\mathrm{WHR} < 0.80$
Triangle (Pear): $\\displaystyle H - B \\ge 0.05\\,B$ (and not Hourglass/Spoon)
Inverted Triangle: $\\displaystyle (B - H \\ge 0.05\\,H)\\ \\lor\\ (S - H \\ge 0.05\\,H)$ (and not Top Hourglass)
Rectangle: $\\displaystyle \\bigg|\\frac{B-H}{\\max(B,H)}\\bigg| < 0.05\\ \\land\\ 0.75 < W_m \\le 0.85$
Round/Apple: $\\displaystyle \\mathrm{WHR} \\ge 0.85\\ \\land\\ \\frac{W}{B} \\ge 0.85$
Glossary of Variables
- Bust (B): Circumference at the fullest part of the chest.
- Waist (W): Circumference at the natural waist (narrowest area).
- Full Hips (H): Circumference at the widest part of the hips/seat.
- High-Hip (HH): Circumference around the upper hip bones (optional).
- Shoulders (S): Circumference around the shoulders at their widest (optional).
- WHR: Waist-to-Hip Ratio = W/H.
- B/H: Bust-to-Hip Ratio = B/H.
- S/H: Shoulder-to-Hip Ratio = S/H.
- W to Mean(B,H): Waist divided by the average of bust and hips.
- Classification: The resulting body shape category from the rules above.
How It Works: A Step-By-Step Example
Inputs: Metric units. Bust 94 cm, Waist 70 cm, Hips 96 cm, High-hip 90 cm, Shoulders 104 cm.
- Compute ratios: WHR = 70/96 = 0.729; B/H = 94/96 = 0.979; W to Mean(B,H) = 70/((94+96)/2) = 70/95 = 0.737; S/H = 104/96 = 1.083.
- Check hourglass: |B − H|/max(B, H) = 2/96 = 0.0208 ≤ 0.05 and W to Mean(B,H) = 0.737 ≤ 0.75 → condition met.
- Conclusion: Body shape = Hourglass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this calculator accurate?
It uses peer‑reviewed apparel research thresholds and transparent formulas. Results are robust for most users when measurements follow the protocol.
Do I need professional tools?
No. A flexible tape measure and a mirror or helper for alignment are sufficient.
What if my values sit on a boundary?
The tool reports the closest category. Small changes can switch categories; your shape may blend traits from adjacent types.
Why do different sites give different results?
Because thresholds vary by methodology. We disclose ours and cite the primary source so you can verify the logic.
Is body shape a health indicator?
No. Shape is mainly about proportion for fit/styling. For health, consult medical guidance; WHR context is shown only as an informational reference.
Can I improve precision?
Enter shoulders and high‑hip. Ensure the tape is level, don't hold your breath, and repeat each measure twice then average.