Body Fat Calculator — US Navy Method
All you need is a tape measure. Enter your height and neck and waist measurements (plus hips for women) to estimate your body fat percentage with the formula used by the US Navy.
Body Fat Calculator
Body fat % with the US Navy tape method
Body fat (US Navy method)16.4%
How it works
- Measure the waist at the navel for men and at the narrowest point for women.
- Measure the neck just below the larynx.
- The method is usually within about 3–4 percentage points of lab measurements.
- It is an estimate for general reference, not a medical assessment.
Worked example: man, 178 cm, neck 38 cm, waist 85 cm
- 1Waist − neck = 47 cm.
- 2Apply the US Navy formula with height 178 cm.
≈ 17% body fat
General body fat categories (American Council on Exercise)
| Category | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 10–13% | 2–5% |
| Athletes | 14–20% | 6–13% |
| Fitness | 21–24% | 14–17% |
| Average | 25–31% | 18–24% |
| Obese | 32%+ | 25%+ |
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the US Navy method?
It is a reasonable estimate for most people, typically within a few percentage points of more expensive methods.
Is body fat better than BMI?
It tells you more about body composition, since BMI cannot distinguish muscle from fat.
Why do women need a hip measurement?
Women store more fat around the hips, so the formula includes it for a better estimate.
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