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Measure your facial width-to-height ratio with AI. Get your exact FWHR, percentile ranking, and what the research says about your score.
The same metric researchers use to study dominance, masculinity, and facial structure — measured automatically from a single selfie.
Calculate My FWHR →Measures FWHR + 9 other metrics · Free scan · Full report $4.99
Facial width-to-height ratio (FWHR) is a measurement of facial structure calculated by dividing face width by face height. Specifically: bizygomatic width (the horizontal distance between the left and right cheekbone landmarks) divided by upper face height (vertical distance from the upper lip to the midpoint between the brows).
The formula: FWHR = bizygomatic width ÷ upper face height
A higher FWHR indicates a wider, shorter upper face — characteristic of strong cheekbones and a compact midface. A lower FWHR indicates a narrower or taller upper face. Research has linked FWHR to testosterone exposure, dominance, aggression, and attractiveness ratings, making it one of the most-studied single facial metrics in psychology and evolutionary biology.
The metric became prominent after Carré and McCormick's 2008 study finding correlations between FWHR and aggressive behavior, and has since been replicated and extended by dozens of labs studying everything from financial risk-taking to CEO success rates.
Width measurement
Bizygomatic width
The maximum horizontal width between the two zygion landmarks — the most lateral points of the zygomatic arches (cheekbones). Measured on a front-facing photo with head level and eyes forward.
Height measurement
Upper face height
The vertical distance from the upper lip border (stomion superius) to the midpoint between the two inner brow corners (glabella). This captures the upper facial height independently of forehead and chin.
Why upper face height, not total face height?
Researchers use upper face height (lip to brow) rather than total face height (chin to hairline) because it better isolates structural bone features. Total face height is influenced by chin size and forehead height, which vary independently of the cheekbone width that FWHR is trying to capture.
Very wide relative to height. Associated with strong dominance perceptions, high testosterone signaling, and a distinctly masculine or powerful facial appearance. Common in athletes and individuals rated as high-dominance. Can read as aggressive if combined with other features.
The sweet spot in most attractiveness research for men. Wide enough to signal facial structure and masculinity without reaching the extreme range. Often described as the "ideal" masculine facial width-to-height relationship.
Most common range in the general population. Neither strongly masculine nor feminine in width-to-height terms. Rated as average attractiveness. For women, this range (particularly 1.7-1.8) is often rated as most feminine and attractive.
Narrow relative to height — longer upper face, narrower cheekbones, or both. Associated with a more refined or delicate facial appearance. In women, sometimes preferred for high-fashion aesthetics. In men, associated with lower dominance perceptions in research.
Carré & McCormick (2008)
FWHR predicts aggressive behavior in hockey players
The foundational FWHR study found that in a sample of 90 NHL hockey players, FWHR correlated significantly with the number of penalty minutes received — a proxy for aggressive behavior. Players with wider faces (higher FWHR) averaged more penalties. This finding launched a decade of research on FWHR and behavioral outcomes.
Wong, Ormiston & Haselhuhn (2011)
Fortune 500 CEOs have higher average FWHR
Analyzing photos of Fortune 500 CEOs, this study found that CEO FWHR significantly predicted company financial performance. CEOs with higher FWHRs led companies with better ROA (return on assets). The researchers proposed that FWHR signals dominance traits that translate to effective leadership in competitive environments.
Lefevre et al. (2012)
FWHR correlates with testosterone in men
This study found that FWHR in adult men correlated with testosterone-to-cortisol ratios, providing a biological mechanism for earlier behavioral findings. Higher FWHR was associated with higher testosterone and lower cortisol, suggesting facial width is a genuine androgen signal rather than just a learned association.
Limitations
FWHR research has faced replication challenges
Later meta-analyses found mixed results for FWHR's predictive power. A 2018 meta-analysis by Geniole et al. found that while the FWHR-aggression link was real, effect sizes were smaller than initial studies suggested and moderated by context. FWHR is a meaningful facial metric but should not be over-interpreted as destiny — it is one signal among many.
Bizygomatic width is determined by cheekbone structure, which is genetic and fixed in adulthood. However, effective FWHR can be influenced by factors that change face height or apparent cheekbone prominence.
↑ FWHR (most impactful)
Buccal fat and facial fat pads increase face height and obscure cheekbone definition. Reducing body fat below 15% sharpens cheekbone angles and decreases effective face height — both increase your measured FWHR.
↑ FWHR (long-term, unproven for adults)
Proper tongue posture is claimed to influence maxillary development. Evidence is primarily anecdotal and most convincing for adolescents still developing. For adults, effects if any are very gradual.
↑ or ↓ perceived FWHR
Hairstyles with volume at the temples increase perceived width; tall hairstyles increase perceived height. Volume on the sides (e.g., side-part styles) can enhance the appearance of a wider face.
↑ FWHR (temporary)
Hyaluronic acid filler placed at the zygomatic arch can enhance cheekbone projection and apparent width. Effects last 12-18 months. A popular cosmetic procedure for those seeking a higher FWHR appearance.
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Our AI measures bizygomatic width and upper face height from a selfie and gives you your exact FWHR ratio with a percentile ranking — plus 9 other metrics in the same scan.
Get My FWHR Score →FWHR (facial width-to-height ratio) is bizygomatic width divided by upper face height. A higher ratio means a wider, shorter upper face. It's a well-studied predictor of dominance perceptions and testosterone signaling.
For men, 1.9-2.1 is associated with strong dominance ratings and is considered attractive. For women, 1.7-1.9 is typically rated as most feminine and attractive. Average FWHR across most populations is 1.7-2.0.
FWHR is calculated by measuring bizygomatic width (cheekbone to cheekbone at the widest point) and dividing by upper face height (upper lip to mid-brow). Our AI detects these landmarks automatically from a selfie.
Research shows a correlation between high FWHR and aggressive behavior and dominance perceptions. However, effect sizes are modest and individual variation is large. FWHR is a signal, not a determinant.
Bone structure is fixed in adulthood, but reducing body fat (which decreases effective face height and reveals cheekbone definition) can meaningfully increase your measured FWHR. Hairstyle and cheek filler can also alter the perceived ratio.
8-metric suite
One AI scan measures all 8 metrics from a single selfie. You've explored one — get the full picture.
Products that shift jaw width and facial proportions.
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★ 4.5Volume on top visually narrows perceived face width (FWHR). The single fastest hairstyle fix for facial proportions.
Results in immediateCurated based on facial analysis data. No photos collected. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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