1. What is Shoulder-to-Hip Ratio?

Definition: The shoulder-to-hip ratio (SHR) is a dimensionless number that compares the circumference of the shoulders to the circumference of the hips.

Purpose: It's commonly used in fitness, health assessments, and body shape analysis to evaluate body proportions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( SHR \) — Shoulder-to-hip ratio (dimensionless)
• \( S \) — Shoulder circumference (cm)
• \( H \) — Hip circumference (cm)

Explanation: The shoulder measurement is divided by the hip measurement to get the ratio.

3. Importance of Shoulder-to-Hip Ratio

Details: This ratio is often used as an indicator of body shape, with different ratios associated with different body types (e.g., V-shape, hourglass, etc.).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your shoulder circumference at the widest point and hip circumference at the widest part of your hips/buttocks. Enter both values in centimeters.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good shoulder-to-hip ratio?
A: Ideal ratios vary by gender and goals. For men, ratios above 1.2 are often considered athletic, while for women, ratios around 1.0 are common.

Q2: How do I measure shoulder circumference accurately?
A: Measure around the shoulders at the widest point, typically including the deltoid muscles.

Q3: How do I measure hip circumference accurately?
A: Measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor.

Q4: Can this ratio indicate health risks?
A: While waist-to-hip ratio is more commonly used for health assessments, shoulder-to-hip ratio can indicate body fat distribution patterns.

Q5: Does this ratio change with exercise?
A: Yes, strength training that develops shoulder muscles can increase this ratio, while lower body exercises may affect hip measurements.