A walkthrough, end to end.
- 1
Enter your bust/chest, waist, and hip measurements (and optionally shoulder for somatotype).
- 2
The calculator classifies your body shape (apple, pear, hourglass, rectangle, inverted triangle) and a rough somatotype lean.
- 3
Use the result for clothing/styling reference or as one input into training/nutrition decisions.
Body shape classification
Common rules: Hourglass — bust ≈ hips, waist <0.75× bust. Pear — hips > bust by 5%+. Apple — waist > bust × 0.85 and waist > hips. Rectangle — bust ≈ waist ≈ hips. Inverted triangle — shoulders/bust > hips by 5%+. Somatotype is a rough lean, not a destiny.
What you can do with this.
Body shape for clothing fit
Hourglass works well with belted/fitted styles. Pear shapes balance with structured shoulders/A-line skirts. Rectangle shapes can create curve illusion with peplums or wrap dresses. Apple shapes flatter with V-necks and empire waists.
Somatotype and training response
Ectomorphs (slim) typically need higher calories and a focus on strength. Endomorphs (rounder) often respond well to higher protein and conditioning work. Mesomorphs (athletic) tend to gain muscle most easily — most people are blends.
Why this is approximate
Sheldon's somatotype is a 1940s framework with limited modern scientific support. Use the classification as a starting heuristic, not a fixed identity. Training and nutrition can shift body shape substantially over time.
Hourglass body shape
Bust and hips closely matched, waist 9–11 inches narrower. Roughly 8% of women fit a true hourglass. Most fashion is cut for this proportion, so off-the-rack often fits well without alteration.
Pear / triangle body shape
Hips wider than bust by 5%+; weight gathers in thighs and seat. The most common female shape. Tops with structure, fit-and-flare dresses, and A-line skirts visually balance the silhouette.
Apple / round body shape
Carries weight around the midsection; waist wider than hips. Cardiometabolic risk is elevated regardless of BMI. Empire waists, V-necks, and structured outerwear flatter; lifestyle changes help reduce visceral fat.
Rectangle / straight body shape
Bust, waist, and hips nearly equal — athletic, lean look common in tall and slim builds. Belts, peplums, and ruffles add curve where you want it; layered tops add volume.
Inverted triangle body shape
Shoulders/bust wider than hips, common in swimmers and gymnasts. Wide-leg pants, A-line skirts, and softer tops balance the upper body. Avoid over-structured shoulders.
Body type calculator 2026 — what's current
DEXA scans (under $50 in many cities) now give visceral-fat numbers far more useful than shape labels for health risk. Use shape categories for styling; use DEXA or waist-to-hip ratio for medical questions.
Frequently asked.
Loosely. The original 1940s framework has been largely replaced by body-composition measurement. The labels are still useful as shorthand for typical training responses.
Yes — through training and nutrition, especially over years. Bone structure (frame size) is fixed; muscle and fat distribution are highly modifiable.
Measurement matters — wear thin clothing, measure bust at the fullest point, waist at the narrowest, hips at the widest, all while standing relaxed. Off-by-an-inch errors flip categories.
The hourglass/pear/apple categories are typically applied to women's silhouettes. For men, common categories are mesomorph (V-shape), ectomorph (slim), and endomorph (rounder) — different system, similar idea.
Below 0.85 (women) and 0.90 (men) is associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Above those values regardless of weight signals elevated central adiposity worth discussing with a clinician.
No. Calculations run entirely in your browser — no server processing, no analytics on inputs, no cookies.