The Female Body Shape Calculator identifies a woman’s body shape from four measurements: bust, waist, high hip and hips. It distinguishes seven shapes — hourglass, top hourglass, bottom hourglass, spoon, triangle (pear), inverted triangle and rectangle — and shows your waist-to-hip ratio and the bust–waist and hip–waist differences.
Female Body Shape Calculator
Women’s body shape from bust, waist, high hip and hip measurements: hourglass, top or bottom hourglass, spoon, pear, inverted triangle or rectangle.
The high hip measurement is what separates a spoon shape (with a “shelf” at the high hip) from a bottom hourglass. Results describe proportions for styling and clothing fit, not health.
Formula
Waist-to-hip ratio = W ÷ H
Bust − waist = B − W; Hips − waist = H − W; High hip ÷ waist = HH ÷ W
Depending on what you are measuring, one of these may suit the job better: BSA Calculator.
How the Calculation Works
Step 1: Compare bust with hips to see which is larger and by how much.
Step 2: Compare each with the waist to see how defined the waist is.
Step 3: Use high hip ÷ waist to spot a spoon shape.
Example Calculation
Hourglass
Bust 36, waist 28, high hip 34, hips 38 in → hips − bust = 2, hips − waist = 10 → Hourglass (waist-to-hip 0.74)
Spoon vs bottom hourglass
Bust 34, waist 30, high hip 36, hips 39 in → hips − bust = 5, hips − waist = 9, high hip ÷ waist = 1.20 (≥ 1.193) → Spoon
With a high hip of 34 in instead (34 ÷ 30 = 1.13), the same bust, waist and hips give Bottom hourglass — the high hip decides between them.
Triangle (pear)
Bust 34, waist 31, high hip 36, hips 39 in → hips − bust = 5 (≥ 3.6), hips − waist = 8 (under 9), high hip ÷ waist = 1.16 → Triangle (pear)
How Female Body Shapes Are Classified
All differences are in inches (metric entries are converted). B = bust, W = waist, H = hips, HH = high hip. Rules are checked in this order:
| Shape | Rule |
|---|---|
| Hourglass | B − H ≤ 1 and H − B < 3.6, and B − W ≥ 9 or H − W ≥ 10 |
| Bottom hourglass | H − B from 3.6 to under 10, H − W ≥ 9, HH ÷ W < 1.193 |
| Top hourglass | B − H over 1 and under 10, B − W ≥ 9 |
| Spoon | H − B > 2, H − W ≥ 7, HH ÷ W ≥ 1.193 |
| Triangle (pear) | H − B ≥ 3.6 and H − W < 9 |
| Inverted triangle | B − H ≥ 3.6 and B − W < 9 |
| Rectangle | B and H within 3.6, B − W < 9 and H − W < 10 |
If none of the rules match, the result is “Between types” — the two closest shapes may both apply.
How to Measure
- Use a soft tape measure held level, snug but not tight, over light clothing.
- Bust or chest: around the fullest part.
- Waist: around the narrowest part of the torso.
- High hip: about 7 in (18 cm) below the waist.
- Hips: around the fullest part of the hips and seat.
- Shoulders (men): around the widest part of the shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m an hourglass?
Bust and hips are close (bust no more than 1 in larger than the hips, hips less than 3.6 in larger than the bust), and the waist is at least 9 in smaller than the bust or 10 in smaller than the hips.
What is the difference between pear and spoon?
Both have hips larger than the bust; a spoon also has a pronounced high hip “shelf” and a more defined waist.
What is a top hourglass?
The bust is somewhat larger than the hips with a well-defined waist.
What is a rectangle body shape?
Bust, waist and hips are fairly similar, giving a straight silhouette.
Can I use centimeters?
Yes — switch units; the rules are applied after converting to inches.
What if I get “Between types”?
Your measurements sit on a boundary; styling advice for both nearby shapes may suit you.
