Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage with the US Navy circumference method. Compare against healthy ranges for men and women.
How Body Fat Percentage is Measured
Body fat percentage is the portion of your total weight that is composed of fat tissue, as opposed to lean mass (muscle, bone, water, and organs). Measuring body fat is highly superior to measuring scale weight because it tracks body composition changes directly.
This calculator uses the US Navy Circumference Method, which estimates body fat based on your height, neck circumference, waist circumference, and hip circumference (for women). It is a reliable, free alternative to expensive methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.
Lowering body fat while preserving lean muscle results in a toned appearance and decreases systemic inflammation. Essential body fat is necessary for biological health: roughly 2-5% for men and 10-13% for women. Athletic levels are typically 6-13% for men and 14-20% for women.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the US Navy body fat method accurate?
Yes, studies show it is highly accurate (within 3-4% of DEXA scans) and serves as an excellent tool for tracking fat loss trends over time.
Q: What is a healthy body fat percentage?
A healthy range is typically 14% to 24% for men and 21% to 31% for women. Values higher than this are associated with obesity-related health risks.