Hourglass Figure Calculator: Am I Hourglass?
Wondering if you truly have an hourglass figure? This guide breaks down the exact measurements, ratios, and thresholds that calculators use—plus what to do if you are close but not quite there.
The Short Answer
You have an hourglass figure if your bust and hips are roughly equal (within 5%) and your waist is at least 25% smaller. The key metric is a waist-to-hip ratio below 0.75. Only about 8% of women meet the strict hourglass criteria.
What Measurements Define an Hourglass?
The hourglass is the most specific body shape to qualify for because it requires three conditions to be met simultaneously. Unlike pear (just wider hips) or rectangle (just uniform measurements), hourglass demands balanced extremes—big on top, small in the middle, big on the bottom.
Bust-to-Hip Balance
Your bust and hip measurements should be within approximately 5% of each other. This creates the symmetrical top-bottom balance that defines the hourglass.
Waist Definition
The waist must be significantly smaller than both the bust and hips. A clearly defined waist is what separates hourglass from rectangle—both can have balanced bust and hips.
Waist Differential
The gap between your waist and bust/hips should be at least 8-10 inches. This creates the visible indentation at the middle that gives the hourglass its name.
The Waist-to-Hip Ratio for Hourglass
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the single most important number for hourglass identification. It captures how dramatically the waist narrows relative to the lower body. Here is how to interpret different WHR values in the hourglass context:
| WHR Range | Classification | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Below 0.65 | Extreme hourglass | Very dramatic waist definition, quite rare |
| 0.65 - 0.70 | Strong hourglass | Clear hourglass with prominent waist indentation |
| 0.70 - 0.75 | Classic hourglass | Standard hourglass classification threshold |
| 0.75 - 0.80 | Near-hourglass | Close to hourglass but may classify as rectangle |
| Above 0.80 | Not hourglass | Waist definition insufficient for hourglass |
Remember, WHR alone is not enough. You also need balanced bust and hips. A WHR of 0.70 with hips much larger than bust would indicate pear, not hourglass.
Check Your Ratios Now
Our free calculator evaluates your WHR, bust-to-hip ratio, and waist differential all at once. Find out if you qualify as hourglass in seconds.
Hourglass Variations
Not all hourglasses look the same. The shape has several sub-types depending on whether the bust or hips dominate slightly, and how dramatic the waist is.
Classic Hourglass
~3% of womenThe textbook hourglass with nearly identical bust and hip measurements and a dramatically smaller waist. This is the rarest variation.
Top Hourglass
~3% of womenBust is noticeably larger than hips, but the defined waist and overall curvy silhouette remain. Weight tends to distribute more in the upper body.
Bottom Hourglass
~2% of womenHips are slightly wider than bust, but the waist is still very defined. This sits between classic hourglass and pear—the lower body carries slightly more volume.
Near-Hourglass
~8% of womenAlmost meets hourglass criteria but the waist is not quite as dramatically defined. Many calculators classify this as rectangle, but the overall look is closer to hourglass.
What If You Are Close but Not Quite Hourglass?
Many women are disappointed when a calculator tells them they are rectangle or pear when they feel like an hourglass. Here is what to consider:
- Near-hourglass is valid. If your WHR is between 0.75 and 0.80, you can follow hourglass styling tips. The exact threshold is somewhat arbitrary.
- Different calculators use different cutoffs. One site may set the hourglass WHR threshold at 0.75 while another uses 0.80. Try our calculator and compare.
- Measurement error matters. A 1-inch measurement error can shift your WHR by 0.02-0.03 points. Remeasure carefully before accepting a result.
- Styling is not locked to labels. If hourglass styling tips work for you visually, use them regardless of what any calculator says. Labels are guides, not rules.
Discover Your Exact Shape
Whether you are hourglass, near-hourglass, or another shape entirely, our calculator gives you personalized styling recommendations that work for your unique proportions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What measurements define an hourglass figure?
An hourglass figure is defined by a bust and hip measurement that are roughly equal (within 5% of each other) combined with a waist that is significantly smaller—typically at least 25% narrower than the bust and hips. The waist-to-hip ratio is usually below 0.75.
What waist-to-hip ratio is considered hourglass?
A waist-to-hip ratio below 0.75 is the standard threshold for an hourglass classification. For example, a 27-inch waist with 37-inch hips gives a WHR of 0.73, which qualifies as hourglass. Ratios between 0.75 and 0.80 are often classified as "near-hourglass."
How rare is a true hourglass figure?
A true hourglass figure is relatively uncommon. Research suggests only about 8% of women naturally have the balanced bust-hips-with-tiny-waist proportions that qualify as a classic hourglass. The most common body shape is rectangle, at approximately 46% of women.
Can I become hourglass shaped through exercise?
You cannot change your bone structure, but targeted exercise can influence your proportions. Building glute and hip muscles while maintaining a trim waist through core work can bring your ratios closer to hourglass territory. However, the degree of change depends on your natural skeletal frame.
What is the difference between hourglass and top hourglass?
A classic hourglass has bust and hips within 5% of each other. A top hourglass has a bust measurement that is noticeably larger than the hips—typically 5-10% larger—while still maintaining a well-defined waist. The emphasis shifts upward, but the overall silhouette is still curvy.
Am I hourglass or pear?
The key difference is bust-to-hip ratio. If your bust and hips are similar (within 5%), you are hourglass. If your hips are significantly wider than your bust (more than 5% larger), you are pear-shaped. Both shapes can have a well-defined waist, but the upper-lower balance differs.