Body Shape Calculator

How to Measure Your Body Type

Use a flexible tape measure to gather accurate sizes. Stand straight with your arms to the side and feet together when measuring. Ensure the tape is snug but not tight enough to compress the skin. The tape measure must be parallel to the floor for the most accurate reading.

To find your body type, you'll need four measurements: bust, waist, hip, and high hip.

Bust: Measure the circumference of the chest around the fullest part of the breasts. Breathe in and out comfortably to ensure the tape is not too tight.

Waist: Measure the narrowest part of your torso, just above the belly button. Avoid sucking in your stomach.

Hip: Measure the hips over the largest part of the buttocks.

High Hip: Measure the upper part of the hip over the pelvic bone, typically 3-4 inches below the waistline.

Input your measurements into the calculator above to see your body shape.

What Is Your Body Shape?

Your body shape will fall into one of the following categories. Of course, not all bodies within a category are the same.

Apple

This figure type describes someone with a waist measurement greater than their hip and bust measurements.

Rectangle/Straight

A rectangle/straight figure type describes someone with hips, waist, and bust roughly the same size. Typically, a waist measurement less than 9 inches narrower than the hip or bust measurements constitutes a rectangle shape.

Hourglass

This figure type describes someone with roughly equal bust and hip sizes and a narrow, well-defined waist.

Top Hourglass

The top hourglass figure type is similar to the hourglass figure, but with a larger bust size than the hips.

Bottom Hourglass

Similar to the hourglass figure, but with a bust smaller than the hips.

Spoon

This figure type describes someone with squared hips much larger than their bust, and a narrow, well-defined waist.

Triangle/Pear

A triangle/pear figure type describes someone who has hip measurements greater than their bust measurements. Hips are typically wider than the shoulders, and the waist is not clearly defined.

Inverted Triangle

This figure type describes someone who has bust measurements greater than their hip measurements. They typically have broad shoulders or a fuller chest with a smaller hip region.

Why Knowing Your Body Shape Matters

Knowing where most of your body mass lies greatly influences how you dress. Wearing clothes that suit your figure can make you look and feel your best. However, while body shape influences your closet decisions, it also influences health decisions.

No body shape is inherently more unhealthy than any other. However, body fat distribution can influence the risk factors when living with overweight or obesity. Where the excess fat lies can determine the risk for certain diseases.

Apple-shaped people tend to carry more weight around their belly. Excess fat in the midsection is typically the most worrisome, as it can put them at risk for heart disease and diabetes. While an hourglass figure is characterized by a narrow waistline, people with this shape can still be at risk for visceral fat.

Pear-shaped individuals tend to carry excess weight in the lower body. Due to the increased pressure on their legs, they are at a higher risk of varicose veins and osteoarthritis in their hips and knees.

People with an inverted triangle shape tend to carry more weight in their upper body. They are more likely to experience back, shoulder, and neck pain. Rectangle-shaped people may have thinner bones, increasing the risk for fractures and osteoporosis.

All body shapes are normal, and each one can be just as healthy as the next. Regardless of your body shape, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet that includes essential macronutrients such as protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, and living an active lifestyle are all necessary to minimize health risks.