Body Shape
Calculator
Find your body shape (Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Rectangle, Inverted Triangle, Diamond, or Spoon) based on your measurements, with personalised styling insights for each type.
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Body Shape Calculator: Find Your Body Type Instantly
Understanding your body shape is one of the most practical tools in personal styling. It helps you identify cuts, silhouettes, and proportions that are most flattering to your natural build. Not because any shape needs to be “fixed,” but because knowing which styles work with your proportions makes getting dressed easier and more enjoyable. This free body shape calculator classifies your shape into one of seven categories (Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Rectangle, Inverted Triangle, Diamond, or Spoon) based on your bust, waist, and hip measurements, with a confidence score, ratio analysis, and personalised styling tips for your result.
👗 How body shape is determined: Your shape is classified by comparing the ratios between bust, waist, and hip measurements. Key metrics include waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), bust-to-hip difference, and shoulder-to-hip ratio. Most shapes are determined primarily by whether hips or bust dominate, and how defined the waist is relative to both.
How the Body Shape Calculator Formula Works
This calculator measures the proportional relationships between your bust, waist, hip, and (optionally) shoulder measurements, then scores how closely those proportions match each of the seven shape categories. Rather than a single formula, it uses a points-based system: each measurement relationship earns points toward one or more shapes, and whichever shape accumulates the most points becomes your primary match.
Bust, waist, and hip are your three core measurements, converted to a common unit (centimetres) internally regardless of which unit you entered. From these, the calculator computes the waist-to-hip ratio (waist divided by hip), the bust-to-hip difference (how much larger or smaller your hips are compared to your bust), and, if you provided one, the shoulder-to-hip ratio. Each shape category has its own scoring rules built around these same three relationships.
Step-by-step calculation walkthrough
Step 1: Identify the inputs. Measurements of 36″ bust, 25″ waist, 37″ hip, no shoulder measurement entered.
Step 2: Apply the formula. Waist-to-hip ratio = Waist ÷ Hip. Bust-hip difference = Hip − Bust. These two values are then checked against each shape’s scoring thresholds.
Step 3: Perform the calculation. Waist-to-hip ratio = 25 ÷ 37 = 0.676. Bust-hip difference = 37 − 36 = 1.0″. Because the bust and hip are close together (within 2.5″) and the waist-to-hip ratio is well below 0.75, the hourglass category accumulates the most points (100), well ahead of the next closest category (pear, 15 points). Confidence = 100 ÷ 115 total points × 100 × 2.2, capped at 99%, giving a 99% confidence hourglass match.
Step 4: Interpret the result. These proportions strongly match the hourglass category: bust and hips are close in measurement, with a waist noticeably narrower than both. The high confidence score reflects that this measurement set is a clear, unambiguous match rather than sitting between two categories.
📐 The shape card, silhouette illustration, confidence bar, and step-by-step breakdown shown in your results all read from this same points-based scoring calculation. Adding a shoulder measurement doesn’t change the formula for other shapes, it specifically sharpens the inverted triangle scoring, which relies on comparing shoulder width to hip width when that measurement is available.
Assumptions and limitations: this classification is a styling tool based on proportional measurement ratios, not an anatomical, medical, or health assessment. Measurement accuracy directly affects the result, a poorly taken measurement can shift the classification. Some people’s proportions genuinely fall between two categories, which is exactly what the secondary match is designed to surface. Body shape, like body size, exists on a continuum rather than in seven fixed boxes, this calculator groups measurements into the closest of seven conventional styling categories for practical clothing guidance, not as a definitive label.
The Seven Body Shape Types Explained
Hourglass
Bust and hips are roughly equal, with the waist significantly smaller: typically at least 25% narrower than hips. The most symmetrical proportion, often considered the “classic” feminine silhouette. Waist-to-hip ratio is typically 0.65–0.75.
Pear (Triangle)
Hips are noticeably wider than the bust (typically by 2″+ or more), with a defined waist. Weight is carried below the waist. The most common body shape type. Hips are the widest measurement point.
Apple (Round)
The midsection is fuller with less waist definition. Waist measurement approaches or equals hip measurement. Shoulders may be broad. Weight tends to concentrate in the abdomen and upper body.
Rectangle
Bust, waist, and hips are all similar in measurement: typically within 7% of each other. An athletic, straight silhouette without dramatic curves. Also called “banana” or “column” shape.
Inverted Triangle
Shoulders or bust significantly wider than hips: the upper body dominates. Common in athletic builds, swimmers, and broad-shouldered individuals. Hips are the narrowest of the three key measurements.
Diamond
The waist is the widest measurement point, wider than both shoulders and hips. A distinctive middle-dominant silhouette. Often associated with central weight distribution.
Spoon (Figure-8)
Hips are dramatically wider than the bust, typically by 3.5″+, with a defined waist and pronounced hip shelf. Similar to pear but with more dramatic lower body curves and stronger waist definition.
Body Shape Classification: The Key Ratios
| Shape | Waist-to-hip ratio | Hip vs bust | Key characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourglass | ≤ 0.75 | Within 2.5″ | Balanced proportions, defined waist |
| Pear | < 0.80 | Hips 2–3.5″ wider | Hip-dominant, narrower upper body |
| Spoon | ≤ 0.80 | Hips 3.5″+ wider | Dramatic hip width, shelf curve |
| Apple | ≥ 0.85 | Waist ≈ hips | Central fullness, less waist definition |
| Rectangle | 0.80–0.93 | All within 7% | Straight silhouette, similar measurements |
| Inverted Triangle | Any | Bust 2″+ wider than hips | Broad shoulders/bust, narrow hips |
| Diamond | Waist largest | Waist > both | Middle-dominant silhouette |
Fashion Tips for Each Body Shape
Body shape classification is most useful as a practical styling guide. Understanding which silhouettes complement your proportions helps narrow down the vast world of clothing options. These are not rules, they’re starting points for finding what you love.
- Hourglass: Most silhouettes work well. Fitted styles, wrap dresses, belted coats, and bodycon pieces celebrate balanced proportions. Avoid oversized shapeless silhouettes that hide your natural figure.
- Pear: Add visual volume to the upper body with statement necklines, off-shoulder tops, and detailed jackets. A-line skirts and straight-leg trousers balance the lower half. Avoid heavy fabric around the hips.
- Apple: Empire waist and wrap styles create a visual waist. V-necklines elongate. Structured blazers and monochromatic dressing streamline. Avoid clingy fabrics around the midsection.
- Rectangle: Create curves with ruffles, peplum tops, flared skirts, and cropped jackets. Belts define the waist. Layering and pattern add visual dimension to the straight silhouette.
- Inverted Triangle: Balance broader shoulders with A-line skirts and wide-leg trousers. V-necks minimise width at the top. Avoid horizontal stripes across the shoulders or heavily padded jackets.
- Diamond: Empire-waist and flowy dresses skim beautifully. Monochromatic outfits elongate. A-line silhouettes and structured necklines draw the eye upward from the midsection.
- Spoon: Celebrate dramatic curves with wrap dresses and fit-and-flare styles. High-waisted bottoms define the waist. Bootcut and flared jeans balance the pronounced hip curve.
3 Real-Life Examples
Three different measurement sets, classified the way the tool above does it. Remember: these are styling categories, not judgments about any body.
| Situation | Measurements | Result | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopping for a fitted wedding guest dress | 36″ bust, 25″ waist, 37″ hip. | Hourglass, 99% confidence (waist-to-hip ratio 0.676). | With a bust and hip close in measurement and a well-defined waist, fitted and wrap silhouettes that follow the natural waistline tend to be flattering choices for this proportion. |
| Choosing between an A-line skirt and a pencil skirt | 34″ bust, 27″ waist, 37″ hip. | Pear, 99% confidence (hips 3.0″ wider than bust). | An A-line skirt that skims rather than clings through the hip area, paired with a top that adds visual interest up top, works with these proportions rather than against them. |
| Picking a swimsuit style, with a shoulder measurement included | 38″ bust, 30″ waist, 36″ hip, 42″ shoulders. | Inverted Triangle, 99% confidence (shoulders wider than hips). | Adding the optional shoulder measurement sharpened this result, a bottom with more coverage or a bit of flare can help balance broader shoulders visually, if that’s the look someone’s going for. |
These are illustrative examples using the same scoring logic the calculator above applies. Every body is different, and these categories are simply a practical starting point for narrowing down clothing options, not a rule anyone has to follow.
Important Notes
- This is a styling classification, not a health, medical, or fitness assessment. Waist-to-hip ratio and similar measurements are sometimes used in health research, but this calculator uses them purely to suggest clothing silhouettes, not to evaluate health.
- Measurement accuracy affects the result. A loosely held or crooked tape measure, or measuring over bulky clothing, can shift the classification. Take measurements in form-fitting clothes for the most consistent result.
- Many people’s proportions fall between two categories. The secondary match exists because body shape genuinely exists on a spectrum, not in seven rigid boxes, a close confidence score between primary and secondary categories is completely normal.
- The shoulder measurement is optional but improves accuracy for some shapes. Without it, the calculator estimates shoulder width from your bust measurement, which works reasonably well for most people but is less precise than an actual shoulder measurement.
- Styling tips are suggestions, not rules. Personal style is about what makes someone feel confident and comfortable, use these tips as a starting point for experimentation, not a strict guide.
- Data privacy. All calculations run in your browser. Your measurements aren’t sent to a server, and the PDF is generated locally on your device.
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