Body Fat Percentage Calculator (US Navy Method)
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Your Estimated Body Fat
0%
What is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, multiplied by 100. Body fat includes essential body fat and storage body fat. Essential body fat is necessary to maintain life and reproductive functions. Storage body fat consists of fat accumulation in adipose tissue, part of which protects internal organs in the chest and abdomen.
The US Navy Fitness Formula
This calculator uses the US Navy circumference method, a widely used and scientifically validated estimation tool. It provides a reliable estimate without the need for expensive equipment like DEXA scans or calipers. It relies on the relationship between specific body circumferences and height to estimate body density.
How to Take Accurate Measurements
- Height: Measure without shoes, standing straight against a wall.
- Neck: Measure just below the larynx (Adam's apple), sloping slightly downward to the front.
- Waist: For men, measure at the navel level. For women, measure at the narrowest point of the natural waistline.
- Hips (Women only): Measure at the widest point of the buttocks.
Body Fat Categories (ACE Guidelines)
| 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%+ |
Why Monitor Body Fat?
Unlike BMI (Body Mass Index), which only looks at weight and height, body fat percentage distinguishes between muscle mass and fat mass. This is crucial for athletes and individuals engaged in strength training, as they may have a "high" BMI due to muscle density but a very healthy body fat percentage.