Body Shape CalculatorThe male body shape calculator compares chest, waist and hip measurements to classify a man's figure as trapezoid, inverted triangle, rectangle, triangle or oval. The rules are this calculator's own, based on the common fashion classification of male body shapes, because no research standard for male shape classes exists.
Male body shape is the proportion between a man's chest, waist and hips. The male body shape calculator needs three measurements in inches or centimeters. The male body shape result guides suit and shirt fit, and the waist-to-hip ratio from the same numbers is a separate health signal.
How Does the Male Body Shape Calculator Work?
The male body shape calculator compares the waist with the chest and the hips with the chest, then checks five rules in order.
| Male body shape | Rule (inches) | Rule (cm) | Example chest / waist / hips (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oval | waist ≥ chest | waist ≥ chest | 40 / 42 / 40 |
| Triangle | hips − chest ≥ 2 | ≥ 5.1 | 38 / 34 / 41 |
| Inverted triangle | chest − waist ≥ 10 | ≥ 25.4 | 44 / 32 / 38 |
| Trapezoid | chest − waist 5 to under 10 | 12.7 to under 25.4 | 42 / 35 / 39 |
| Rectangle | chest − waist under 5 | under 12.7 | 40 / 37 / 39 |
The first matching rule gives the result.
What Are the 5 Male Body Shapes?
The 5 male body shapes are listed below.
- Trapezoid: chest moderately wider than the waist, with a gradual taper.
- Inverted triangle: chest much wider than the waist, a strong V shape.
- Rectangle: chest, waist and hips close in width.
- Triangle: hips wider than the chest.
- Oval: waist equal to or wider than the chest.
Each shape is described in more detail in male body shapes.
Which Measurements Do Men Need?
Men need three measurements for the male body shape calculator.
- Chest: around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.
- Waist: around the natural waist, at the narrowest point or at the navel when there is no narrow point.
- Hips: around the widest part of the buttocks.
The measuring guide for bust, waist and hips shows the same tape technique.
How Should Men Dress for Their Body Shape?
Men dress for their body shape by balancing the widest part of the figure. A man with an inverted triangle shape balances broad shoulders with straight trousers, and a man with an oval shape adds structure at the shoulders. The guide on how to dress for your male body shape covers each shape.
Is the Male Body Shape Calculator the Same as Somatotype?
No, the male body shape calculator is not the same as somatotype, because somatotypes such as ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph describe build and muscle, not measured proportion. The guide to body shape vs body type separates the two systems.
What Is a Healthy Waist-to-Hip Ratio for Men?
A healthy waist-to-hip ratio for men is 0.90 or below, because the World Health Organization defines abdominal obesity in men as a ratio above 0.90. The WHR calculator returns this ratio.