Body Fat Calculator

The US Navy circumference method estimates body fat from waist, neck, and height measurements (and hip for women). It uses a formula developed by the Department of Defense that correlates these circumferences with body fat measured by hydrostatic weighing. It is considered one of the more accurate field methods.

According to the American Council on Exercise: Women: Essential fat 10-13%, Athletes 14-20%, Fitness 21-24%, Acceptable 25-31%, Obese 32%+. Men: Essential fat 2-5%, Athletes 6-13%, Fitness 14-17%, Acceptable 18-24%, Obese 25%+. Body fat ranges vary by age and the organization citing them.

The most accurate methods are DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), hydrostatic (underwater) weighing, and Bod Pod (air displacement plethysmography). These are clinical procedures. Consumer methods like bioelectrical impedance (BIA) scales and skinfold calipers are less accurate but more accessible. The circumference method used here typically has a margin of error of 3-4 percentage points.

The BMI method estimates body fat from BMI, age, and sex using a regression formula. It is less accurate than circumference methods because it does not account for fat distribution or muscle mass differences, but it requires no physical measurements beyond height and weight.

Yes. Excess body fat, particularly visceral fat stored around abdominal organs, is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Waist circumference alone is also a strong predictor of these risks. Always interpret body fat estimates alongside other health markers.