Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage from a tape measure using the US Navy circumference method.
How the body fat calculator works
The US Navy method estimates body fat from circumference measurements instead of skin folds. Measure your height, your neck just below the larynx, and your waist at the navel. Women also measure the hips at the widest point. The formula uses the base-10 logarithm of these numbers.
Tape measure estimates are useful for tracking change over time, but they can be off by a few percentage points compared with DEXA scans or water weighing. Measure at the same time of day, relaxed, with the tape snug but not pressing into the skin.
The formulas (inches)
Example: A man who is 70 in tall with a 15 in neck and a 34 in waist has an estimated body fat of about 17.5%, which falls in the fitness range. At 180 lb that is roughly 31.5 lb of fat mass.
Body fat ranges
Men: essential fat 2 to 5%, athletes 6 to 13%, fitness 14 to 17%, average 18 to 24%, above 25% is higher. Women: essential fat 10 to 13%, athletes 14 to 20%, fitness 21 to 24%, average 25 to 31%, above 32% is higher.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my body fat at home?
Use a soft tape measure. Measure your neck, waist at the navel and, for women, hips at the widest point, then enter them with your height.
How accurate is the US Navy body fat formula?
It is usually within a few percentage points of lab methods, which is good enough to track progress but not to diagnose anything.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
Roughly 14 to 24% for men and 21 to 31% for women is considered fit to average. Needs vary by age and health.
Should I use inches or centimeters?
This calculator uses inches. To convert centimeters, divide by 2.54.
Is body fat better than BMI?
Body fat separates fat from muscle, so it can be more informative for people who lift weights. Neither number replaces a medical check-up.
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