Body Type Calculator

Body shape from measurements at a glance#

A body type calculator reads your bust, waist and hip measurements and sorts them into a body shape. It compares how close the bust and hips are to each other and how much smaller the waist is, then matches that pattern to a female body shape.

Worked example for an hourglass: a 36 inch bust, 24 inch waist and 36 inch hips gives equal bust and hips with a waist 12 inches smaller, which clears the roughly 9 inch waist gap, so the result is hourglass. Shift the hips out to 40 inches against a 34 inch bust and the lower body is now about 6 inches wider, which reads as a pear or triangle shape instead.

Enter your bust, waist and hip measurements in the calculator above for your exact body shape. The thresholds use rounded inch differences, so a measurement near a cut-off can land between two shapes, and individual proportions vary.

The five female body shapes#

This calculator sorts you into one of five common female body shapes by comparing your bust, waist, and hip measurements. The shapes are hourglass, pear (also called triangle), apple (also called round), rectangle (also called straight), and inverted triangle. The difference between your bust and hips, and how much smaller your waist is, decides which one you get.

Hourglass#

Bust and hips are roughly equal, within about an inch, and the waist is clearly smaller, about 9 inches or more below the bust and hips. Belts, wrap dresses, and high-waisted pants suit this shape because they follow an already defined waist.

Pear or triangle#

Hips are wider than the bust by about 3.6 inches or more, so the lower body is the widest part. A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, and detailed or structured tops balance the narrower shoulders against fuller hips.

Apple or round#

Bust and waist measurements are close, with a fuller midsection and a waist that is less than about 9 inches smaller than the bust, while the hips are similar to or narrower than the bust. V-necklines and flowing tops that skim the waist work well, and a structured jacket can add shape.

Rectangle or straight#

Bust, waist, and hips are fairly even, with the waist less than about 9 inches smaller than the hips, so there is no strong waist definition. Peplum tops, belts, and layering add curves and break up the straight line.

Inverted triangle#

Bust and shoulders are wider than the hips, so the upper body is the broadest part. Clothing that adds width and interest to the lower body, like A-line skirts and wide-leg pants, evens out the silhouette.

How to measure#

Accurate measurements change the result, so use a soft tape held parallel to the floor and stand relaxed.

• Bust: around the fullest part, wearing a non-padded bra.
• Waist: the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button.
• Hips: the widest part of your hips and buttocks.

A second worked example#

The answer block above shows an hourglass at a 36 inch bust, 24 inch waist, and 36 inch hips. For a pear, take a 34 inch bust, 28 inch waist, and 40 inch hips. The hips are 6 inches wider than the bust, which clears the roughly 3.6 inch gap, so this reads as a pear. Drop the hips to 35 inches and the bust and hips are nearly equal, which moves the result toward rectangle if the waist is not 9 inches smaller, or hourglass if it is.

Body shape and where fat sits#

Body shape describes proportions, not health, but where you carry weight can matter. Fat around the midsection, more common with an apple shape, is visceral fat that surrounds organs and is linked to higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Fat around the hips and thighs, more common with a pear shape, is subcutaneous and carries less of that risk. Shape is only one input though, since diet, activity, sleep, and genetics all weigh in, and a clearer picture comes from your body fat percentage and waist measurement.

Frequently asked questions#

How many body shapes are there?#

This calculator uses five: hourglass, pear or triangle, apple or round, rectangle or straight, and inverted triangle. Some systems split or rename these, but five covers the common patterns based on bust, waist, and hip ratios.

How do I use the body type calculator?#

Enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements in inches or centimeters. The calculator compares the bust and hip difference and how much smaller the waist is, then returns one of the five shapes.

Can my body shape change over time?#

Yes. Weight change, pregnancy, and hormonal shifts with age all change how weight is distributed, which can move you from one shape to another. Re-measure every few months if your weight or routine changes.

What if I am between two body shapes?#

Many people sit near a cut-off. A measurement within an inch of a threshold can land between two shapes, so consider the features of both when choosing clothes and treat the result as a guide.

How accurate is the body type calculator?#

It gives a reliable baseline from standard measurements, but it cannot capture every variation in build, posture, or fat distribution. Use it as a starting point rather than a strict rule.