Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy tape-measure method. This approach uses your height and a few body circumferences to approximate fat without special equipment.
How it works
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy circumference method, which estimates body fat from body measurements and height instead of skinfold calipers or scans.
For men: %BF = 495 / (1.0324 − 0.19077·log10(waist − neck) + 0.15456·log10(height)) − 450. For women, hip circumference is added: %BF = 495 / (1.29579 − 0.35004·log10(waist + hip − neck) + 0.22100·log10(height)) − 450.
All measurements are in centimeters. The result is your estimated body fat percentage, plus a fitness category based on common reference ranges.
Tips
Measure first thing in the morning before eating for the most consistent results, and keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin.
Take each measurement two or three times and use the average. The Navy method is an estimate — DEXA scans and hydrostatic weighing are more accurate but require equipment.
FAQ
How accurate is the Navy body fat method?
It is typically within 3–4% of clinical methods like DEXA for most people. Accuracy drops for very lean or very muscular individuals, but it's a reliable free estimate for tracking trends.
Why do women need a hip measurement?
Women tend to store more fat around the hips, so the female formula includes hip circumference to better capture overall body fat distribution and improve accuracy.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
General ranges are about 14–24% for men and 21–31% for women, though athletes are often lower. Essential fat (needed for health) is roughly 2–5% for men and 10–13% for women.