Body Fat Calculator
Body fat % using Navy method
Enter Your Measurements
Body Fat Categories
| Category | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | 2-5% |
| Athletes | 14-20% | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 21-24% | 14-17% |
| Average | 25-31% | 18-24% |
| Obese | 32-+% | 25-+% |
How to Measure
- Neck: Measure below the Adam's apple, tape sloping down at the front
- Waist (Men): Measure at navel level while relaxed
- Waist (Women): Measure at the narrowest point between ribs and hips
- Use a soft tape measure and keep it snug but not tight
About the Navy Method
The US Navy body fat formula was developed for fitness assessments and is accurate to within 3-4% for most people. It's a convenient alternative to more expensive methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing. For best results, measure at the same time of day and track trends over time.
How to Use the Body Fat Calculator
Our body fat calculator uses the US Navy method to estimate your body fat percentage from simple tape measurements. This method is widely used by military fitness programs and provides reliable estimates without expensive equipment.
The US Navy Method
The Navy method calculates body fat using circumference measurements and height. It has different formulas for men and women:
- Men: Uses neck and waist measurements
- Women: Uses neck, waist, and hip measurements
How to Measure
- Neck: Measure around the neck just below the larynx (Adam's apple), tape sloping slightly downward at front
- Waist (Men): Measure at navel level, relaxed
- Waist (Women): Measure at the narrowest point between ribs and hip bone
- Hips (Women only): Measure at the widest point of the buttocks
Body Fat Categories
| Category | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | 2-5% |
| Athletes | 14-20% | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 21-24% | 14-17% |
| Average | 25-31% | 18-24% |
| Obese | 32%+ | 25%+ |
Fat Mass vs Lean Mass
Your results include a breakdown of fat mass (total body fat in pounds/kg) and lean mass (everything else: muscle, bone, organs, water). Lean mass is important for metabolism and overall health.
Accuracy Notes
The Navy method is accurate to within 3-4% for most people. For more precise measurements, consider DEXA scans, hydrostatic weighing, or bioelectrical impedance devices. However, for tracking progress over time, the Navy method is consistent and free.
Related Health Calculators
Pair body fat tracking with our BMI calculator for another perspective on body composition. Use our calorie calculator to determine daily calorie needs for fat loss or muscle gain.
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