Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the US Navy method with simple body measurements.
✓ Runs in your browser · Updated 2026-03-31Enter values and click Estimate Body Fat to see results
What is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body weight that is made up of fat tissue. It is a more accurate indicator of health and fitness than weight or BMI alone, as it distinguishes between fat and lean mass.
US Navy Method
The US Navy body fat formula uses simple circumference measurements to estimate body fat percentage. It is widely used for its simplicity and reasonable accuracy.
Male: BF% = 86.010 × log₁₀(waist − neck) − 70.041 × log₁₀(height) + 36.76
Female: BF% = 163.205 × log₁₀(waist + hip − neck) − 97.684 × log₁₀(height) − 78.387
All measurements in centimetres.
Body Fat Categories
Men: Essential Fat 2–5%, Athlete 6–13%, Fitness 14–17%, Average 18–24%, Obese 25%+
Women: Essential Fat 10–13%, Athlete 14–20%, Fitness 21–24%, Average 25–31%, Obese 32%+
Limitations
Circumference-based methods are estimates and can be less accurate for very muscular or very lean individuals. For precise measurements, consider DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.
Related Tools
- BMI Calculator – Calculate your Body Mass Index
- Ideal Weight Calculator – Find your ideal body weight
- TDEE Calculator – Total Daily Energy Expenditure
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the US Navy method?
The US Navy method is accurate to within 1-3% of DEXA scan results for most people. It is one of the most reliable tape-measure-based body fat estimation methods.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
For men: 10-20% is considered healthy (athletes 6-13%). For women: 18-28% is healthy (athletes 14-20%). These ranges vary by age and fitness goals.