Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy formula with body measurements.
Gender
140 220
20 60
50 150
Body Fat
14.6 %
Fitness
Body fat percentage estimates are based on the U.S. Navy formula using body circumferences. This is not a medical diagnosis. For accurate body composition analysis, consult a healthcare professional.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the U.S. Navy body fat formula work?
The Navy method uses circumference measurements: for men, neck and waist; for women, neck, waist, and hips. The formula estimates body fat percentage from these measurements with an accuracy of ±3–4% compared to lab methods.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
For adult men (20–39 years): 8–19% is healthy, 20–24% acceptable, 25%+ excess. For adult women (20–39 years): 21–32% is healthy, 33–38% acceptable, 39%+ excess. Ranges shift slightly higher after age 40.
What are the ACE body fat categories?
The American Council on Exercise defines 5 categories. For men/women: Essential 2–5% / 10–13%, Athlete 6–13% / 14–20%, Fitness 14–17% / 21–24%, Average 18–24% / 25–31%, Obese 25%+ / 32%+.
How do I take accurate measurements?
Always measure at the same time (ideally morning), without contracting your abdomen. Neck: at the narrowest point below the Adam's apple. Waist: horizontal at navel level. Hips (women): at the widest point. Use a flexible non-elastic tape, take 2 measurements and average.
How accurate is the Navy formula compared to other methods?
The Navy formula has a correlation of ±3–4% with DEXA scans. It is less precise than DEXA, hydrostatic weighing, or Bod Pod, but requires no specialized equipment. Accuracy decreases for very muscular individuals, adolescents, and older adults.
What is normal-weight obesity?
Having a normal BMI (18.5–24.9) but a high body fat percentage. It occurs when there is low muscle mass and proportionally more fat. This condition increases cardiovascular risk despite an apparently healthy weight. The body fat calculator catches cases that BMI misses.
Why is body fat percentage more useful than BMI?
Body fat percentage distinguishes between fat mass and lean mass (muscle, bone, organs, water), while BMI does not. However, body fat percentage also does not differentiate between visceral fat (around organs, more dangerous) and subcutaneous fat. Both measures are complementary.