Body Fat % Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the US Navy measurement method
Measurements
ft
in
lbs
Navy Tape Measurements
Measure at the narrowest point (waist), widest point of neck, and for women, widest point of hips.
in
in
Body Fat %
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Fat Mass
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lbs of fat
Lean Mass
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muscle, bone, water
Body Fat Scale
Body Composition
How to Estimate Body Fat at Home
This calculator uses the US Navy circumference method, which estimates body fat from neck, waist, and hip (women only) measurements. While not as accurate as DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing, it's free, requires only a tape measure, and has reasonable accuracy (±3–4%) for most people when measurements are taken consistently.
Body fat categories: Essential fat 2–5% (M) / 10–13% (F) · Athletes 6–13% (M) / 14–20% (F) · Fitness 14–17% (M) / 21–24% (F) · Average 18–24% (M) / 25–31% (F) · Obese 25%+ (M) / 32%+ (F).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How accurate is the Navy body fat method?The Navy method typically has an error of ±3–4% compared to DEXA. It's more accurate than BMI for assessing body composition and works well for tracking changes over time even if the absolute number is slightly off.
- Where exactly do I measure waist circumference?For the Navy method, measure at the narrowest point (usually at or slightly above the navel for men). Women measure at the navel. Take the measurement while exhaling normally — don't suck in. Take 2–3 readings and average them.
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What is a healthy body fat percentage?Healthy ranges differ by sex and age. For men, 10–20% is considered fit to healthy; athletes often fall in the 6–13% range. For women, 18–28% is healthy; female athletes typically fall between 14–20%. Above 25% (men) or 32% (women) is generally classified as obese by body fat standards, even if BMI appears normal.
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How is the US Navy body fat method calculated?The Navy method uses circumference measurements to estimate body fat. For men, it uses neck and waist measurements. For women, it uses neck, waist, and hip measurements. These values are plugged into a logarithmic formula developed by the US Navy. It's considered reasonably accurate (within 3–4%) compared to more complex methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.