How to use the Body Fat Calculator
- Choose sex and units.
- Measure your height, neck (below the larynx) and waist (at the navel). Women also measure hips at the widest point.
- See your estimated body-fat percentage and category.
About this tool
The US Navy method estimates body fat from simple circumference measurements and is usually accurate to within a few percent of more expensive methods for most people.
Measure in the morning, relaxed, with the tape snug but not compressing the skin. Take each measurement twice and use the average.
Categories (American Council on Exercise): men — athletes 6–13%, fit 14–17%, average 18–24%; women — athletes 14–20%, fit 21–24%, average 25–31%.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the Navy method?
Typically within 3–4% of DEXA scans for most adults.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
Roughly 10–20% for men and 18–28% for women, depending on age.
Where do I measure my waist?
Men at the navel; women at the narrowest point of the waist.