How to calculate the ideal size of your shoulders: it all starts with your height

If you were to imagine the proportions and shape of your idea body, you probably have an image of broad shoulders and a narrow waist (or at least you SHOULD have this image in your head). But you may not be focusing on the exact size of your shoulder compared to your waist.

To calculate your ideal shoulder size, you first need to know your ideal waist size. BUT to know your ideal waist size you have to start with your height. The calculation goes from your height to your waist to your shoulders.

Your ideal waist size will be between 45% and 47% of your height. In other words, if you’re 70 inches tall, your ideal waist is between 31.5 and 33 inches.

This calculation is based on bone structure and a low level of fat mass. Once you’ve determined your ideal waist, the next calculation is your shoulders.

Based on all the research on proportion and physical attraction, we know that the ideal waist-to-shoulder ratio is a ratio of 1:1.618. Going back to our example of 70 inches tall and a 31.5 to 33 inch waist, your ideal shoulder circumference would be 1.618 times larger than your ideal waist or 51 to 53 inches.

The ideal shoulder to waist ratio is only maintained when the waist is in its ideal range. In other words, having a waist that is 50% of your height and shoulders that are 1,618 times larger than this is not going to produce the proportions you are looking for. And, in fact, you will find it very difficult to build your shoulders up to this point to make up for most of your waist. This will also produce a shorter stalked look which is not ideal. Your best proportionate body shape should start with your height in mind, otherwise there is no way to determine what waist size and shoulder size is too skinny and skinny.

Follow this measurement pattern starting with your height –> ideal waist –> ideal shoulders and you’ll be well on your way to building your best-proportioned body.