Your body-fat category
Categories differ by sex. The pointer marks your estimate. Updates as you change the inputs.
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Fitness
Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage with the U.S. Navy tape method, using a few simple measurements, and see where you fall from essential fat to high.
Estimated body fat
18.0%
Average
Fat mass—
Lean mass—
CategoryAverage
How it works
The U.S. Navy method estimates body fat from the circumference of your neck, waist, and (for women) hips, relative to your height. It is quick, needs only a tape measure, and correlates reasonably well with more expensive methods for most people.
The formula (measurements in cm)
Men: BF% = 495 / (1.0324 − 0.19077·log₁₀(waist−neck) + 0.15456·log₁₀(height)) − 450
Women: BF% = 495 / (1.29579 − 0.35004·log₁₀(waist+hip−neck) + 0.22100·log₁₀(height)) − 450
Women: BF% = 495 / (1.29579 − 0.35004·log₁₀(waist+hip−neck) + 0.22100·log₁₀(height)) − 450
Body-fat categories (ACE)
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 2–5% | 10–13% |
| Athletes | 6–13% | 14–20% |
| Fitness | 14–17% | 21–24% |
| Average | 18–24% | 25–31% |
| Obese | 25%+ | 32%+ |
Frequently asked questions
How should I take the measurements?
Measure a relaxed neck below the larynx, the waist at the navel (men) or the narrowest point (women), and hips at the widest point. Keep the tape snug and level.
How accurate is the Navy method?
It is usually within about 3–4% of a DEXA scan for average builds, but measurement error matters — take each measurement twice and average.