Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy method and learn your body composition.
What is Body Fat Calculator?
A Body Fat Calculator estimates the percentage of your total body weight that comes from fat tissue. Unlike BMI, which only considers height and weight, body fat percentage provides deeper insight into your body composition by distinguishing between fat mass and lean mass.
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy method, which relies on circumference measurements of the neck, waist, and hips (for women), along with height. It is a convenient and reasonably accurate way to track body composition changes without specialized equipment.
How to Use
- Select your gender and unit system (metric or imperial).
- Measure and enter your height, weight, waist (at the navel), and neck (just below the larynx).
- If female, also enter your hip measurement at the widest point.
- Click Calculate Body Fat to see your percentage, category, lean mass, and fat mass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the Navy method?
The U.S. Navy method typically estimates body fat within 3-4% of more advanced methods like DEXA or hydrostatic weighing, making it suitable for tracking trends over time.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
For men, 10-20% is generally considered healthy. For women, 20-30% is typical. Athletes often fall below these ranges, while averages are slightly higher.
Why do women need a hip measurement?
Women tend to store fat differently than men, particularly around the hips and thighs. Including hip circumference improves accuracy for female body fat estimates.
Can I use this if I am pregnant?
Body fat estimates during pregnancy are not reliable due to fluid retention and weight changes. Consult your healthcare provider for appropriate assessments.