Body Type Calculator guide
Body Type Calculator: Find Your Body Shape
Use our body type calculator to find your body shape (hourglass, pear, spoon, rectangle or inverted triangle) from your bust, waist and hip measurements.
By the AllCalculator editorial teamUpdated 16 October 20262 min read
Knowing your body shape can make clothes shopping easier, because it helps you choose cuts and styles that fit well. Our Body Type Calculator works it out from four measurements.
How to use the calculator (Body Type Calculator)
- Choose inches or centimetres.
- Measure and enter your bust, waist, high hip and hips.
You'll see your body shape and how your measurements compare.
How to measure
- Bust: around the fullest part, wearing a non-padded bra.
- Waist: around the narrowest part, usually just above your belly button.
- High hip: about 7 inches (18cm) below your waist, around the top of your hip bones.
- Hips: around the widest part of your bottom.
The body shapes
| Shape | What it means |
|---|---|
| Hourglass | Bust and hips about equal, with a defined waist |
| Bottom hourglass | Hips a little larger than bust, with a defined waist |
| Top hourglass | Bust a little larger than hips, with a defined waist |
| Spoon | Hips larger than bust, with a "shelf" at the high hip |
| Triangle (pear) | Hips larger than bust, with a less defined waist |
| Inverted triangle | Bust or shoulders larger than hips |
| Rectangle | Bust, waist and hips similar |
The calculator uses rules from the FFIT for Apparel system, developed by clothing researchers in the United States.
A worked example
With the calculator's default settings (bust 36in, waist 28in, high hip 34in, hips 38.5in), the hips are 2.5in larger than the bust and 10.5in larger than the waist, so the body shape is hourglass.
Frequently asked questions
Is one body shape healthier than another?
Body shape itself isn't a health measure, and every shape is normal. For health, the size of your waist matters more: the NHS suggests keeping it to less than half your height.
Can my body shape change?
Your bone structure doesn't change, but gaining or losing weight or muscle can change how your measurements compare.
Does it work for men?
The shapes were designed for women's clothing, but the comparisons still work for men.
To check your weight for your height, try our Healthy Weight Calculator. For bra fitting, see our Bra Sizing Guide Calculator.
Sources and further reading
Links open official and independent websites in a new tab.
This guide is general information to help you understand your options. It isn't financial, tax, legal or building advice and doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. Figures were checked when the guide was last updated and can change, so confirm anything important with GOV.UK, HMRC, a regulated adviser or a qualified tradesperson.