Frequently Asked Questions

It compares three circumferences — bust, waist and hips — against fixed thresholds. The bust–hip difference decides whether your upper and lower body are balanced, and the waist difference decides how defined your waist is. The combination maps to one of five shapes.

The calculation itself is exact for the numbers you enter, but body-shape categories are simplified descriptions. Results depend on how and where you measure, and different methods can classify the same measurements differently.

Use whichever your tape measure shows. The calculator has its own thresholds for each unit, and switching units after entering values converts them for you.

After calculating, it checks whether changing any single measurement by about 1 in (2.5 cm) would give a different shape. Home measurements often vary by that much, so the note helps you see when a result is borderline.

The calculator always returns the closest rule match, but many bodies sit between categories. If a note says you are close to a boundary, reading both shape pages will usually describe you better than either one alone.

Once the page has loaded, the calculation does not need an internet connection, because it runs entirely in your browser.

At your natural waist, usually the narrowest part of your torso. If there is no obvious narrowest point, measure roughly midway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hip bones.

Around the fullest part of your hips and seat, with the tape parallel to the floor. This is usually lower than the hip bones.

Measuring in a well-fitting, non-padded bra gives the most consistent results. Padded or minimizing bras can change the measurement noticeably.

Snug against your body without compressing it. You should be able to slide a finger under the tape, and it should stay level all the way around.

No. Body-shape categories describe proportions for practical purposes such as clothing fit. They do not rank bodies or describe health.

This calculator does not assess health. Some clinical screening uses waist measurements, but with different procedures and professional interpretation. Ask a healthcare professional about health questions.

Anyone can enter measurements, but the thresholds are adapted from research on women’s apparel sizing, so the categories are designed around female body shapes and may be less meaningful for other bodies.

No. The method uses bust, waist and hips only. That also means it cannot detect shoulder width, which some other guides use to identify an inverted triangle.

Not quite. A calculator uses tape measurements and fixed rules, so the same numbers always give the same result. A body type test or quiz relies on your answers about how you look, which is quicker but less consistent.

No. Those are somatotypes, a separate system describing overall build. This calculator describes proportions between bust, waist and hips only.

Calculators use different measurements, thresholds and numbers of categories. Some add shapes such as spoon, diamond or top and bottom hourglass. Research has also shown that small differences in measurement placement can change the category for the same person.

No. The calculation runs in your browser. Measurements are not sent to a server, not saved in browser storage, and are cleared when you reset the form or leave the page.

Yes. It is free to use as often as you like, with no account, sign-up or download. There are no paid features.

No. The only browser storage the site uses is a single entry that remembers your cookie preference. No analytics or advertising scripts are loaded.