Body Fat Percentage Calculator (U.S. Navy Method)
Calculate your estimated body fat percentage using standard body measurements.
How the U.S. Navy Body Fat Formula Works
The U.S. Navy Body Fat Calculator utilizes a specific equation developed by the Naval Health Research Center. Unlike BMI, which only considers height and weight, this method uses circumference measurements to estimate body composition. This is often more accurate for individuals with higher muscle mass who might otherwise be categorized as "overweight" by standard BMI charts.
Understanding Your Results
Body fat percentage is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, multiplied by 100. Essential fat is necessary for maintaining life and reproductive functions. The following ranges are typical for healthy adults:
- Athletes: Men (6-13%), Women (14-20%)
- Fitness: Men (14-17%), Women (21-24%)
- Average: Men (18-24%), Women (25-31%)
- Obese: Men (25%+), Women (32%+)
Example Calculation
If a male stands 70 inches tall with a 16-inch neck and a 36-inch waist, the formula calculates the logarithmic difference between the waist-neck ratio and height. For this specific individual, the estimated body fat would be approximately 19.8%, placing him in the "Average" fitness category.
Is the Navy Method Accurate?
While no tape-measure method is as accurate as a DEXA scan or hydrostatic weighing, the Navy Method is widely considered one of the most reliable "at-home" techniques. It generally stays within a 3-4% margin of error compared to clinical standards. It is an excellent tool for tracking progress over time since it accounts for changes in waist size regardless of scale weight.