Body Type Calculator

Body type (somatotype) is a classification system developed by psychologist William Sheldon in the 1940s to describe natural physique tendencies. The three types — ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph — describe how a person’s body tends to respond to diet and exercise, though most people fall somewhere between two types.

Approximate classification using measurements:

Ectomorph indicators:

• BMI typically < 21
• Wrist-to-height ratio < 9.5%
• Narrow shoulders, hips, and chest; long limbs
• Fast metabolism: gains weight and muscle slowly

Mesomorph indicators:

• BMI typically 21–26
• Athletic, medium frame; shoulders wider than hips
• Shoulder-to-waist ratio > 1.15
• Responds well to strength training; gains muscle easily

Endomorph indicators:

• BMI typically > 26
• Hip-to-waist ratio > 0.90 (men) or > 0.85 (women)
• Higher body fat percentage; softer frame; gains fat and muscle easily

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR): WHR = Waist Circumference / Hip Circumference

Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR): WHtR = Waist / Height Healthy range: below 0.50 for most adults

Worked example: Male: weight 82 kg, height 178 cm (5'10"), waist 86 cm, hip 95 cm, wrist 17 cm, shoulders 48 cm.

BMI = 82 / (1.78)² = 82 / 3.1684 = 25.9 WHR = 86 / 95 = 0.905 (slightly elevated for male; ideal < 0.90) Shoulder-to-waist ratio = 48 / 86 = 0.558 … narrow V-taper; may lean endo-meso Wrist-to-height = 17 / 178 = 9.55% — medium frame

Classification: Meso-endomorph: medium-to-larger frame, moderate fat tendency, good muscle-building response.

Scientific note: Pure somatotypes are rare. Research shows body composition is highly influenced by lifestyle, diet, and training — the somatotype is a tendency, not a destiny. Use it as a starting point for nutrition and training strategy, not a limitation.