What is my body shape? It’s one of the most common styling questions, and the answer is easier to find than you think. Use this free body shape calculator to find your body type in seconds from three simple measurements: bust, waist and hips. You’ll get your shape, what it means, and how to dress it.
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How to Use the Body Shape Calculator
- Choose your units. Pick inches or centimeters. You can switch at any time and your numbers convert automatically.
- Enter your bust, waist and hip measurements. Follow the measuring guide below for the most accurate result.
- Add your high hip (optional). It helps the calculator tell a Spoon shape apart from a Bottom Hourglass.
- Tap “Calculate My Body Shape”. You’ll see your body shape, your key measurement differences, and styling tips for your figure.
The calculator works in your browser, so it’s free, there’s no sign-up, and your measurements are never saved.
How to Measure Your Body Shape
Accurate bust, waist and hip measurements are the key to finding your true body shape. Use a soft measuring tape, wear light clothing or underwear, and stand up straight with your feet together and your arms relaxed. Keep the tape level and snug, but not tight.
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape straight across your back.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button. Breathe out normally and don’t pull in your stomach.
- High hip: Measure around your body about 7 inches (18 cm) below your natural waist, across the top of your hip bones.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Use a mirror to check that the tape stays level.
Tip: Measure twice and use the average. Small differences of half an inch can move you between two similar shapes.
Body Shapes at a Glance
| Body shape | Measurement pattern | Styling goal |
|---|---|---|
| Hourglass | Bust and hips almost equal, defined waist | Follow your waist |
| Top Hourglass | Bust slightly fuller than hips, defined waist | Balance your top half |
| Bottom Hourglass | Hips slightly fuller than bust, defined waist | Balance your lower half |
| Spoon | Hips fuller than bust, curvy high hip, defined waist | Add interest on top |
| Pear (Triangle) | Hips wider than bust, softly defined waist | Draw the eye upward |
| Inverted Triangle | Bust and shoulders wider than hips | Add volume below |
| Rectangle | Bust, waist and hips fairly similar | Create curves |
| Apple (Round) | Waist equal to or wider than bust and hips | Lengthen your torso |
The 8 Body Shapes Explained
Every body shape is beautiful. Knowing yours simply helps you choose clothes that fit well and feel great. Here’s what each result from the body type calculator means, and how to dress for your body shape.
1. Hourglass Body Shape
An hourglass figure has a bust and hips of almost the same size, with a clearly defined waist that’s about 9 or more inches smaller than the bust or 10 or more inches smaller than the hips. Your curves are balanced from top to bottom.
How to dress it: Choose wrap dresses, belted coats and fitted knits that follow your waist. High-waisted jeans with a tucked-in top are an easy everyday outfit.
2. Top Hourglass Body Shape
A top hourglass has a defined waist like the classic hourglass, but the bust is a little fuller than the hips.
How to dress it: V-necks and wrap tops open up your neckline, while A-line and flared skirts add balance to your lower half. A belt at your natural waist shows off your shape.
3. Bottom Hourglass Body Shape
A bottom hourglass has a defined waist, with hips that are a little fuller than the bust.
How to dress it: Add interest on top with statement sleeves, bright colors or structured shoulders. High-waisted trousers and fit-and-flare dresses highlight your waist.
4. Spoon Body Shape
The spoon shape has hips that are fuller than the bust, a defined waist, and a curvy “shelf” at the high hip. This is why the high hip measurement matters: it separates the spoon from the bottom hourglass.
How to dress it: Boat necks, off-the-shoulder tops and details on your upper half balance your frame. A-line skirts and dresses skim smoothly over the high hip.
5. Pear (Triangle) Body Shape
A pear-shaped body has hips that are wider than the bust, with a gently defined waist. Your lower half is your curviest area.
How to dress it: Draw the eye upward with interesting necklines, prints and colors on top. Wide-leg and bootcut trousers, A-line skirts and hip-length jackets create a balanced silhouette.
6. Inverted Triangle Body Shape
An inverted triangle has a bust and shoulders that are wider than the hips, often with an athletic upper body.
How to dress it: Keep tops clean and simple, and choose V-necks to break up the shoulder line. Add volume below with wide-leg trousers, full skirts and bold prints on your lower half.
7. Rectangle Body Shape
A rectangle body shape has a bust, waist and hips of similar size, for a straight and balanced silhouette. It’s sometimes called a straight or banana shape.
How to dress it: Create curves with belts, peplum tops and wrap styles. Tailored blazers, straight-leg jeans and shift dresses look especially sharp on a rectangle frame.
8. Apple (Round) Body Shape
An apple or round body shape has a waist that measures the same as or more than the bust and hips, so the midsection is the fullest area.
How to dress it: Empire waists and V-necks draw the eye up and lengthen your torso. Open layers like long cardigans and duster jackets, paired with straight or bootcut trousers, create a long, balanced line.
How the Body Shape Calculator Works
The calculator converts your measurements to inches and compares three key differences: bust minus waist, hips minus waist, and bust minus hips. For the high hip, it also looks at the ratio between your high hip and your waist.
The body shape rules come from the Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT), a classification system from apparel research that was used in a study comparing the body shapes of American and Korean women (Lee et al., International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 2007). For example, an hourglass needs a bust and hips within about an inch of each other, plus a waist at least 9 inches smaller than the bust or 10 inches smaller than the hips. We added the apple (round) shape for anyone whose waist is their widest measurement.
Body Shape vs. Body Type: What’s the Difference?
People often use the two terms the same way, but they describe different things. Your body shape is about proportions: how your bust, waist and hips compare. It’s what matters most when you’re choosing clothes. Your body type, often described as ectomorph, mesomorph or endomorph, is about your overall build and how easily you gain muscle or fat.
That’s why this female body shape calculator focuses on measurements. Two women can wear the same dress size and still have completely different body shapes.
Can Your Body Shape Change?
Yes. Weight changes, pregnancy, strength training and hormonal shifts such as menopause can all change where your body carries weight, so your shape can shift over the years. It’s a good idea to re-measure every so often, especially before updating your wardrobe.
A Quick Note on Health
This body shape calculator is a styling tool. It doesn’t measure health, fitness or weight, and no shape is better than another. If you have questions about your weight or health, please talk to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my body shape?
Measure your bust, waist and hips, then compare them. If your bust and hips are about equal with a much smaller waist, you’re likely an hourglass. If your hips are wider, you’re likely a pear or spoon. If your bust is wider, you’re likely an inverted triangle. The calculator above does the comparison for you.
Is a body shape calculator accurate?
It’s as accurate as your measurements. Measure carefully, and remember that many women sit between two shapes. If your result feels close, read about both shapes and use the tips that suit you best.
Why does the calculator ask for my high hip?
The high hip measurement shows whether your hips curve out sharply below the waist. It’s what separates the spoon shape from the bottom hourglass. It’s optional, but it makes your result more precise.
Does my weight change my body shape?
Your body shape is about proportions, not size, so every shape exists at every weight. Gaining or losing weight can change your proportions, though, which may change your result.
Should I measure in inches or centimeters?
Either one works. Pick the unit on your measuring tape, and the calculator converts everything automatically.
What should I wear for my body shape?
Start with the “How to dress it” tips for your shape above, then browse my outfit ideas for looks you can copy for work, weekends and special occasions.
Find Your Shape, Then Find Your Style
Knowing your body shape takes the guesswork out of shopping and getting dressed. Use the calculator, try the tips for your shape, and keep the pieces that make you feel your best. Save this body shape calculator to your Pinterest board so it’s ready the next time you shop.