Purpose: Estimate your body fat percentage and category using the U.S. Navy circumference method - no special equipment needed, just a measuring tape.
Body Fat Calculator
The Body Fat Calculator estimates your body fat percentage using the US Navy method - a tape-measure formula that needs no special equipment - and rates it against fitness categories.
The US Navy method
This approach estimates body fat from simple circumference measurements: neck and waist for men, plus hips for women, together with height. It correlates reasonably well with more expensive methods while needing only a tape measure. Accurate measuring - snug, level, and consistent - matters more than anything for a reliable result.
Reading your result
Body fat percentage is often a better fitness indicator than weight or BMI because it distinguishes fat from muscle. General healthy ranges are roughly 10–20% for men and 18–28% for women, with athletes lower. Use it to track trends over weeks rather than obsessing over a single reading, and pair it with the BMI Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the US Navy body fat method work?
It estimates body fat from circumference measurements - neck and waist (and hips for women) plus height - using a validated formula, no calipers needed.
Why is body fat percentage better than BMI?
Body fat percentage distinguishes fat from muscle, so it reflects fitness more accurately than BMI, which uses only height and weight.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
Roughly 10-20% for men and 18-28% for women is considered healthy, with athletes typically lower. Essential fat sits below these ranges.
How can I measure accurately?
Use a flexible tape, keep it snug and level, measure the same spots each time, and take readings in the morning for consistency.
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