About the Body Type Calculator
Knowing your body shape makes it easier to choose clothes that fit and flatter. This calculator uses four tape measurements, bust, waist, high hip and hips, and the FFIT body shape rules developed by clothing researchers to place you in one of seven shapes: hourglass, bottom hourglass, top hourglass, spoon, triangle (pear), inverted triangle or rectangle. It shows the differences between your measurements so you can see why. You can use inches or centimetres, and nothing you enter leaves your device.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Body Type Calculator
- 1Choose inches or centimetres.
- 2Measure around the fullest part of your bust.
- 3Measure your natural waist at its narrowest point.
- 4Measure your high hip, about 7 inches (18 cm) below the waist, and your hips at the widest point.
- 5Read your body shape and the measurement differences.
Where the rules come from
The calculator follows the Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT), published by Simmons, Istook and Devarajan in 2004 after analysing thousands of 3D body scans for the clothing industry. It compares the differences between bust, waist, high hip and hips with set thresholds and picks the first shape that matches. Fashion websites often use simplified versions of the same idea.
The seven shapes in brief
Each shape suggests a different focus when you choose clothes.
- Hourglass: balanced bust and hips with a defined waist
- Bottom hourglass: hips slightly wider, defined waist
- Top hourglass: bust slightly larger, defined waist
- Spoon: hips wider with a shelf at the high hip
- Triangle (pear): hips wider, waist less defined
- Inverted triangle: bust or shoulders wider than hips
- Rectangle: bust, waist and hips similar
Getting accurate measurements
Use a soft tape measure, not a metal one. Measure over underwear or close-fitting clothes, breathe out normally, and keep the tape parallel to the floor. A friend can help with the hip measurements. Measure twice and use the average if the numbers differ.
Using your result when shopping
Size charts list bust, waist and hip measurements, and your shape tells you which one will decide the fit. Hourglass and spoon shapes often need to size for the hips and take in the waist; inverted triangles may size for the bust. Brands with curvy, straight or petite fits are designed for these differences.
A note on body image
No shape is better than another. Bodies change with age, fitness and life events, and measurements can move you between neighbouring shapes. The result is simply a tool to make shopping easier.
On your phone
Keep the page open on your phone while you measure, then type each number straight in. Body shape is just one view, so pair it with measurements that matter for health or clothes. The Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator gives a single proportion, the Waist to Height Ratio Calculator adds a second, and the Bra Size Calculator helps with fit.
Features
- Seven body shapes
- Based on published FFIT clothing research
- Inches or centimetres
- Shows the numbers behind the result
- Private: nothing is uploaded
- Works on phone and computer
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure for my body shape?
Stand relaxed in light clothing and keep the tape level and snug but not tight. Bust: fullest part. Waist: narrowest part, usually just above the belly button. High hip: about 7 in (18 cm) below the waist. Hips: the widest part of your bottom.
What is an hourglass shape?
Bust and hips are about the same size and the waist is at least 9 inches smaller than the bust or 10 inches smaller than the hips.
What is the difference between pear and spoon?
Both have hips wider than the bust. A spoon shape also has a 'shelf' at the high hip, measured by the high hip being at least 1.193 times the waist; a pear (triangle) has a less defined waist.
Why does it say no clear match?
Some combinations fall between the rules. Re-measure carefully; if it still doesn't match, choose clothes based on the shape your measurements are closest to.
Is this a health measurement?
No. Body shape describes proportions for clothing. For health, waist size and the waist-to-height ratio are better guides.
Can men use it?
The FFIT rules were developed from women's measurements, so the results are most meaningful for women's clothing sizes.