How to Measure a Waistline for Men

Whether you are looking to buy a new pair of pants, or simply keeping track of your fitness level, measuring your waist is a great idea. Excess belly fat has been linked to a higher rate of several diseases affecting both the heart and liver. Waist measurements should be 37 inches or less for men. If your waist measurement is more than 40 inches, you are considered to be in danger of having excess belly fat interfere with your health.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Begin by finding your waist. It is the narrowest part of your torso above your hips. If you are significantly overweight and unable to find the narrowest part of your torso, measure at the point where your elbows fall against the side of your body.

• 2

  In one hand, firmly grasp the end of the measuring tape that begins numerically with the one inch measurement. With the other hand, bring the other end of the tape around your torso to measure at your waist.

• 3

  Exhale deeply and bring the measuring tape firmly around your waist, but not so tightly that it is biting into your flesh.

• 4

  Record the number that appears where the measuring tape crosses while being held against your waist. This is your waist measurement.