Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy Method
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Understanding Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage 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 adipose tissue. This makes it a far more accurate metric for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who may have a "high" BMI due to muscle density but very low body fat.
How the U.S. Navy Method Works
This calculator uses the Navy Fitness Formula, which is one of the most reliable tape-measure methods for estimating body composition. It requires specific measurements of the neck, waist, and (for women) hips. The logic relies on the correlation between circumference measurements and subcutaneous fat deposits.
Measurement Tips:
- Neck: Measure below the larynx, sloping slightly downward to the front.
- Waist: Measure at the narrowest point for women and at the navel level for men.
- Hips (Women only): Measure at the widest point of the buttocks.
- Precision: Use a flexible tape measure and do not pull it so tight that it compresses the skin.
Body Fat Categories (ACE Standard)
| Category | 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%+ |
Example Calculation
Consider a male who is 180 cm tall, with a 40 cm neck and a 90 cm waist. Using the formula:
86.010 × log10(90 – 40) – 70.041 × log10(180) + 36.76
The result would be approximately 19.1%, placing him in the "Average" category for health and fitness.