Reference Guide

Body Type Guide

A single, comprehensive reference for every body shape, body type, and somatotype category used across our calculators — female shapes, male body types, somatotypes, and WHR ranges. Each section links to the relevant calculator so you can put your numbers in.

Best for: one reference covering every body category we support
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Female Body Shapes

Classified by comparing bust, waist, and hip measurements.

Hourglass

Bust ≈ hips; waist 9+ inches narrower than both.

Pear (Triangle)

Hips wider than bust by 2+ inches with a defined waist.

Apple (Round)

Waist similar to or larger than bust and hips.

Rectangle

Bust, waist, and hips within ~5 inches.

Inverted Triangle

Bust or shoulders wider than hips by 2+ inches.

Tools: Body Shape Calculator · Female Body Shape Calculator

Male Body Types

Classified by comparing shoulder, chest, waist, and hip measurements.

Trapezoid

Broad shoulders taper to a narrower waist; balanced hips.

Inverted Triangle

Very broad shoulders with narrow waist and hips.

Rectangle

Shoulders, waist, and hips of similar width.

Triangle

Hips wider than shoulders; weight carried lower.

Oval

Waist wider than shoulders and hips; rounded midsection.

Tool: Male Body Type Calculator

Somatotypes

Describe your natural build, metabolism, and training response.

Ectomorph

Lean and slender with a fast metabolism. Slow gain.

Mesomorph

Naturally muscular and athletic; balanced metabolism.

Endomorph

Rounder, wider frame. Slower resting metabolism.

Balanced / Mixed

A blend of two types — for example ecto-mesomorph.

Tool: Somatotype Calculator

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)

The simple division of waist by hip circumference. One general distribution indicator.

GenderLowModerateHigh
Women0.80 or below0.81 – 0.85Above 0.85
Men0.95 or below0.96 – 1.00Above 1.00

Tool: Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

How to Use Your Results

Combine results for a fuller picture. Body shape helps with style and fit. Somatotype helps with training and nutrition framing. WHR is one health-context indicator. Each is a starting point, not a final label.

For step-by-step measuring, see our How to Measure Your Body guide.

Body Type Guide FAQs

What is the difference between body shape and body type?
Body shape refers to your silhouette (hourglass, pear, etc.). Body type can include male shapes (trapezoid, oval) and somatotypes (ecto, meso, endo).
Can I belong to multiple categories?
One result per system. Boundary results are common — notes from the adjacent category will often apply.
Do these categories change with age?
Yes. Posture, fat distribution, and muscle mass shift over time. Recalculate every few months if tracking change.
Is somatotype a personality test?
No. Sheldon’s original personality claims have not held up. Modern usage limits somatotype to physique.
Are all categories scientifically rigorous?
Body shape and male body type categories are widely used. Somatotype is a practical coaching framework. WHR comes from WHO guidelines. None replaces clinical assessment.

Try the Calculators

Body Shape CalculatorHourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, inverted triangle.Female Body Shape CalculatorDetailed female-specific shape result.Male Body Type CalculatorTrapezoid, inverted triangle, rectangle, triangle, oval.Somatotype CalculatorEctomorph, mesomorph, endomorph, or balanced/mixed.Waist-to-Hip Ratio CalculatorWHR with WHO health-risk category.

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