Body Fat Calculator
Calculate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy Method
What is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage is the amount of fat mass in your body compared to your total body weight. It's an important health metric that provides more insight into your body composition than weight alone or BMI.
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy Method, which estimates body fat percentage based on height and circumference measurements. While not as accurate as methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing, it provides a good estimate for most people.
Body Fat Percentage Formula
For Men:
Body Fat % = 495 / (1.0324 - 0.19077 × log10(waist - neck) + 0.15456 × log10(height)) - 450
For Women:
Body Fat % = 495 / (1.29579 - 0.35004 × log10(waist + hip - neck) + 0.22100 × log10(height)) - 450
Where:
- Waist, neck, hip, and height are in centimeters
- log10 is the logarithm with base 10
Body Fat Percentage Interpretation
Body fat percentage can be interpreted differently based on gender, age, and fitness goals. Generally, the following categories apply:
Body Fat Percentage Score for Men
| Category | Body Fat Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 2-5% | Minimum needed for basic physiological functions |
| Athletic | 6-13% | Typical for elite athletes |
| Fitness | 14-17% | Lean and defined muscle tone |
| Average | 18-24% | Typical for the general population |
| Obese | 25%+ | Increased health risks |
Body Fat Percentage Score for Women
| Category | Body Fat Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | Minimum needed for basic physiological functions |
| Athletic | 14-20% | Typical for elite athletes |
| Fitness | 21-24% | Lean and defined muscle tone |
| Average | 25-31% | Typical for the general population |
| Obese | 32%+ | Increased health risks |
How to Use Body Fat Percentage
To calculate your body fat percentage using this calculator:
- Select your gender
- Choose your preferred unit system (metric or imperial)
- Enter your weight and height
- Measure and enter your neck circumference at the narrowest point
- Measure and enter your waist circumference at the navel
- For women, measure and enter your hip circumference at the widest point
- Click the "Calculate Body Fat" button
Measurement Tips:
- Use a flexible measuring tape
- Keep the tape snug but not tight
- Take measurements in the morning before eating
- Stand straight with feet together
- For most accurate results, have someone else take the measurements