Body Shape by Measurements: Find Yours
Your body shape is hidden in four numbers. Learn exactly how to measure yourself, calculate the ratios, and map them to one of the five major body shapes.
The Short Answer
Measure your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Divide waist by hips for your WHR, and compare bust to hips. These ratios determine whether you are hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, or inverted triangle. Our calculator does this math instantly.
The 4 Key Measurements
Every body shape classification relies on four circumference measurements. Here is exactly where and how to take each one.
Shoulders
Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides. Have someone hold the tape at the outermost point of one shoulder, run it across your upper back, and end at the outermost point of the other shoulder. Keep the tape flat against the body.
Tip: This is the hardest measurement to take alone. Use a mirror or ask for help.
Bust
Wrap the tape around your back and across the fullest point of your bust. The tape should be parallel to the floor and snug without compressing. Wear a non-padded bra for consistency.
Tip: Breathe normally and do not puff out your chest or hold your breath.
Waist
Bend sideways—the crease that forms is your natural waist. Wrap the tape around this point, keeping it parallel to the floor. Do not suck in your stomach.
Tip: Your natural waist is usually 1-2 inches above your belly button, not at it.
Hips
Stand with feet together. Wrap the tape around the widest point of your lower body, which is usually 7-9 inches below the waist. Include the fullest part of the buttocks.
Tip: Do not spread your feet apart, as this artificially widens the hip measurement.
Skip the Math
Enter your measurements into our free calculator and get your body shape instantly—no manual ratio calculations needed.
Measurement Ratio Formulas
Once you have your four measurements, you need two key ratios to classify your shape:
Example: 28" / 38" = 0.74
Example: 36" / 38" = 0.95
Example: 40" / 38" = 1.05
Body Shape Determination Chart
Compare your ratios against these criteria to identify your body shape. Each shape has specific conditions that must be met.
Hourglass
- • Bust and hips within 5% of each other
- • Waist is at least 25% smaller than bust and hips
- • Waist-to-hip ratio below 0.75
Pear (Triangle)
- • Hips are at least 5% larger than bust
- • Hips are the widest measurement
- • Waist is smaller than bust
Apple (Round)
- • Waist is close to or larger than bust and hips
- • Waist-to-hip ratio above 0.85
- • Bust and shoulders may be broader
Rectangle (Straight)
- • Bust, waist, and hips within 5% of each other
- • Minimal waist definition
- • Waist-to-hip ratio between 0.80 and 0.95
Inverted Triangle
- • Shoulders and/or bust wider than hips by 5%+
- • Shoulder-to-hip ratio above 1.05
- • Legs may appear longer due to narrow hips
Common Measurement Mistakes
Even small errors can shift your ratios enough to change your classification. Avoid these six common mistakes:
Measuring waist at the belly button
Find your natural waist by bending sideways. The crease point is your true waist, usually above the navel.
Pulling the tape too tight
The tape should be snug enough to stay in place but not compressing the skin. You should be able to slide a finger underneath.
Measuring over thick clothing
Wear only underwear or very thin, fitted clothing. A thick sweater can add 2-3 inches to your bust measurement.
Tilting the tape
Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor at all times. A tilted tape gives a larger reading. Use a mirror to check.
Measuring hips too high
The hip measurement is at the widest point, not at the hip bones. This is usually 7-9 inches below the waist and includes the buttocks.
Sucking in your stomach
Stand relaxed and breathe normally. Sucking in artificially reduces the waist measurement and may give you an incorrect shape result.
Ready to Find Your Shape?
Our free calculator does all the math for you. Just enter your measurements and get your body shape with personalized styling advice in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What measurements do I need to determine my body shape?
You need four key measurements: shoulders (widest point across the back from shoulder tip to shoulder tip), bust (fullest part of the chest), waist (narrowest point of the torso, usually above the belly button), and hips (widest part including the buttocks). Some methods also use a high hip measurement.
Can I determine my body shape without measuring?
Visual assessment is possible but far less accurate. Looking in a mirror can give you a rough idea, but measurement-based classification is more reliable because our self-perception is often biased. Even a 1-2 inch difference can change your body shape category.
What is the most common measurement mistake?
Measuring the waist at the belly button instead of the natural waistline. Your natural waist is the narrowest point of your torso, typically 1-2 inches above the navel. Measuring too low gives an artificially large waist measurement, which may misclassify your shape.
Do my measurements need to be exact?
Measurements should be as accurate as possible, ideally within half an inch. A 2-inch error in any measurement could shift your ratios enough to change your body shape classification. Take each measurement twice and average the results for best accuracy.
Should I measure in inches or centimeters?
Either unit works because body shape is based on ratios, not absolute values. Dividing 70cm by 95cm gives the same ratio as dividing 27.5 inches by 37.4 inches. Just be consistent and use the same unit for all measurements.
How do I know if my measurements are borderline between two shapes?
If your ratios fall within 5% of a threshold between two shapes, you are borderline. This is completely normal. About 30% of women fall between categories. You can borrow styling advice from both shapes and see which recommendations resonate most with your experience.