Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy Circumference Method.
How the U.S. Navy Body Fat Calculator Works
Body fat percentage is a better indicator of health and fitness than Weight or BMI alone. While BMI (Body Mass Index) only considers your height and weight, this calculator uses specific body measurements to estimate the actual percentage of your body weight that is fat vs. lean mass.
The U.S. Navy Method is a widely recognized formula used by the military to determine if service members meet physical standards. It requires simple measurements taken with a tape measure at specific points: the neck and waist for men, plus the hips for women.
Measurement Tips for Accuracy
- Neck: Measure below the larynx (Adam's apple), sloping slightly downward toward the front.
- Waist: For men, measure at the navel. For women, measure at the narrowest part of the natural waistline.
- Hips (Women only): Measure at the widest point of the buttocks.
- Height: Measure without shoes, standing straight against a wall.
Understanding Your Results
According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), body fat ranges are categorized as follows:
| Description | Women Range | Men Range |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | 2-5% |
| Athletes | 14-20% | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 21-24% | 14-17% |
| Average | 25-31% | 18-24% |
| Obese | 32%+ | 25%+ |
Real-Life Calculation Example
Example (Male): A man who is 70 inches tall (5'10"), has a 15-inch neck, and a 34-inch waist.
Using the formula, his estimated body fat is approximately 16.2%. This puts him in the "Fitness" category.
Example (Female): A woman who is 64 inches tall (5'4″), has a 13-inch neck, a 28-inch waist, and 38-inch hips.
Using the formula, her estimated body fat is approximately 24.8%. This puts her in the "Average" category.
Is This Calculator 100% Accurate?
While the Navy Method is accurate within 3-4% for most people, it is an estimation. Factors like muscle density and bone structure can influence the result. For high-precision needs, methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing are recommended. However, for tracking progress over time, this tape-measure method is a consistent and cost-effective tool.