Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate your body composition using the U.S. Navy Method
Male
Female
–%
Category: —
What is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage (BFP) is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, multiplied by 100. Unlike Body Mass Index (BMI), which only considers height and weight, body fat percentage distinguishes between muscle mass and fat mass. This makes it a far more accurate indicator of physical fitness and health risks.
How This Calculator Works
This tool uses the U.S. Navy Fitness Equation, a widely recognized method for estimating body composition without expensive equipment like DXA scans or hydrostatic weighing. It relies on specific circumference measurements which correlate strongly with internal fat deposits.
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%+ |
Realistic Example Calculations
Example 1 (Male): A man who is 180 cm tall, weighs 85 kg, with a 40 cm neck and 92 cm waist.
Result: Approximately 20.4% (Average category).
Example 2 (Female): A woman who is 165 cm tall, weighs 65 kg, with a 34 cm neck, 75 cm waist, and 95 cm hips.
Result: Approximately 24.8% (Fitness category).
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Neck: Measure below the larynx, sloping slightly downward to the front.
- Waist: For men, measure at the navel. For women, measure at the narrowest point of the natural waistline.
- Hips (Women only): Measure at the widest horizontal circumference of the buttocks.
- Consistency: Measure in the morning before eating and try to be consistent with tape placement.