Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Male
Female
Estimated Body Fat Percentage:
Understanding Your Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage is a much more accurate health metric than simple body weight or BMI (Body Mass Index). While weight tells you the total mass of your muscles, bones, water, and fat combined, body fat percentage focuses strictly on the adipose tissue relative to your total mass.
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy Method, a widely accepted formula for estimating body composition using simple tape measurements. It is popular because it requires no expensive equipment like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing tanks.
How the Navy Method Works
The calculation relies on the relationship between your waist circumference, neck circumference, and height (plus hip circumference for women). These measurements correlate strongly with internal and subcutaneous fat deposits.
Realistic Example:
- Subject: Male
- Height: 180 cm
- Neck: 40 cm
- Waist: 92 cm
- Result: Approximately 20.4% Body Fat (Fitness Category)
Body Fat Categories
| Description | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | 2-5% |
| Athletes | 14-20% | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 21-24% | 14-17% |
| Average | 25-31% | 18-24% |
| Obese | 32%+ | 25%+ |
Tips for Accurate Measurement
To get the most accurate result from this calculator, follow these measurement guidelines:
- Waist: Measure at the narrowest point for women and at the navel for men. Do not "suck in" your stomach.
- Neck: Measure just below the larynx (Adam's apple), sloping slightly downward to the front.
- Hips (Women only): Measure at the widest part of the buttocks or hips.
- Precision: Use a soft, non-stretchable tape measure and ensure it is level and snug against the skin without compressing the tissue.