What Is fWHR? "Do I have a wide face?" Answered!
Standard face shape calculators often label you as "Square" or "Round" without addressing the specific dimensions of width.
To determine if a face is technically "wide," dermatologists and plastic surgeons utilize the Facial Width-to-Height Ratio (fWHR). This measures the distance between the left and right zygia (cheekbones) divided by the distance from the upper lip to the highest point of the eyelids.
Average vs. Wide Metrics
fWHR | Jaw-to-Cheek Ratio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Range | 1.70 - 1.90 | 0.8 - 0.9 |
| Considered "Wide" | > 1.95 | > 0.95 (Strong Jaw) |
Why Width Matters: The Link Between Metrics & Merchandise
Understanding facial width isn't just about curiosity—it is the critical factor in finding accessories that fit. A high fWHR requires specific eyewear and hairstyle strategies to balance facial harmony.
Eyewear for Wide Faces
The most common pain point for individuals with wide faces is eyewear fit. Standard frames often pinch the temples or look disproportionately small. Using AI Virtual Try-On, brands can automatically recommend frames with a wider lens width (55mm+) and longer temple arms (145mm+).
Hairstyles to Balance Width
The goal for wide faces is vertical elongation. Styles that add volume to the sides (like bob cuts) will make the face appear wider. AI simulation can visualize styles that add height to the crown, effectively lowering the perceived fWHR.
For Business: Why Integrate a Wide Face Detector?
In the beauty and fashion ecommerce space, "fit anxiety" is a leading cause of cart abandonment. By integrating Perfect Corp's AI Face Attribute technology, brands can move beyond generic labeling.
Our technology detects over 70+ facial features to provide precise fWHR data, allowing you to:
Reduce Returns
Stop selling narrow glasses to wide-faced customers.
Hyper-Personalize
Recommend contouring makeup specifically for widening or slimming effect.
Boost Engagement
Users spend 300% more time on sites with interactive diagnostics.
Developer Resource
Ready to build this into your app? Access our full API documentation for Face Attribute detection here: Perfect Corp Developer Portal.
Measure across your cheekbones (zygomatic arch) at the widest point. Compare this to the length of your face (hairline to chin). If the width is roughly equal to the length, you have a wide face structure.
This is a common concern. A wide face is primarily determined by bone structure (genetics), specifically the jaw and cheekbones. However, soft tissue accumulation or masseter muscle hypertrophy (from teeth grinding) can temporarily increase facial width. AI analysis can help distinguish between bone structure and soft tissue volume.
Beauty standards vary globally. In some cultures, a higher fWHR (wider face) is associated with dominance and strength, while in others, a slimmer oval is preferred. The key is finding styles that create balance for your unique features.