Calculate Your Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage is a better health indicator than weight or BMI. Enter your measurements below.
US Navy Method Formula
For men: Body fat % = 86.010 × log₁₀(waist - neck) - 70.041 × log₁₀(height) + 36.76
For women: Body fat % = 163.205 × log₁₀(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 × log₁₀(height) - 78.387
Measurements in cm. All measurements taken at widest point.
Healthy Body Fat Ranges
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 2-5% | 10-13% |
| Athletes | 6-13% | 14-20% |
| Fitness | 14-17% | 21-24% |
| Average | 18-24% | 25-31% |
| Obese | ≥25% | ≥32% |
References
- Hodgdon JA, Beckett MB. Prediction of percent body fat for U.S. Navy men from body circumferences and height. Naval Health Research Center Report 84-11, 1984.
- Hodgdon JA, Beckett MB. Prediction of percent body fat for U.S. Navy women from body circumferences and height. Naval Health Research Center Report 84-29, 1984.
Frequently asked questions
What is body fat percentage?
Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body weight that is fat. It distinguishes between lean mass (muscle, bone, organs) and fat mass. Body fat percentage is a more accurate health indicator than BMI or weight alone.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
Healthy body fat ranges: For men, essential fat is 2-5%, athletes 6-13%, fitness 14-17%, average 18-24%, obese ≥25%. For women, essential fat is 10-13%, athletes 14-20%, fitness 21-24%, average 25-31%, obese ≥32%. Ranges vary by age.
How accurate is the US Navy method?
The US Navy method estimates body fat using waist, neck, and height measurements. It has a standard error of about 3-4%. It is reasonably accurate for most people but less accurate for very lean or very obese individuals. DEXA scans and hydrostatic weighing are more accurate.