Body Fat Percentage Calculator — US Navy Method
Estimate your body fat percentage using simple body measurements.
Measure below Adam's apple
Measure at navel level
About Body Fat Percentage Calculator
The Body Fat Percentage Calculator estimates your body fat using the US Navy method, which requires simple body measurements you can take at home with a tape measure. This method is widely used for fitness tracking and health assessment.
By measuring your neck, waist, and hip (for women) along with your height and weight, the calculator provides an estimated body fat percentage and lean body mass. This information is valuable for tracking fitness progress beyond what scales and BMI can show.
How to Use Body Fat Percentage Calculator
- Select your gender and enter your age.
- Input your height and current weight.
- Measure and enter your neck circumference.
- Measure your waist at the narrowest point.
- Women: also measure hips at the widest point.
- Click calculate to see your body fat percentage.
Key Features
US Navy method calculation
Body fat percentage estimate
Lean body mass calculation
Fat mass in pounds/kg
Healthy range indicators
Works for men and women
Instant calculations
Privacy-focused (client-side)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
For men: 10-20% is considered healthy, 6-13% is athletic, <6% is essential fat. For women: 18-28% is healthy, 14-20% is athletic, 10-13% is essential fat. Women naturally have higher body fat percentages due to biological differences.
How accurate is the US Navy method?
The US Navy method is reasonably accurate (within 3-4% error) and convenient because it only requires measurements you can take at home. For more precision, DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing are more accurate but costlier.
Why do I need to measure my neck and waist?
These measurements help estimate total body fat distribution. The neck measurement correlates with lean mass, while waist and hip measurements indicate fat storage. Together, they provide a formula-based body fat estimate.
How often should I measure body fat?
Measure every 2-4 weeks when tracking progress. Daily or weekly measurements aren't necessary as body fat changes slowly. Take measurements under consistent conditions (same time of day, measurement technique) for accurate comparisons.
What's the difference between body fat and BMI?
BMI only uses height and weight, so it can't distinguish between fat and muscle. Body fat percentage actually estimates the proportion of your weight that is fat versus lean mass, making it more informative for fitness tracking.