Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage from a few simple tape measurements.
This is a general estimate using a field-method formula, not a clinical body composition measurement. Consult a healthcare professional for precise assessment.
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 2–5% | 10–13% |
| Athletic | 6–13% | 14–20% |
| Fitness | 14–17% | 21–24% |
| Average | 18–24% | 25–31% |
| Above average | 25%+ | 32%+ |
Frequently asked questions
How is body fat percentage estimated here?
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy circumference method, which estimates body fat from neck, waist (and for women, hip) measurements combined with height. It's a widely used field method, not a lab-grade measurement.
How accurate is this method?
The Navy method is reasonably accurate for most people as a general estimate, typically within a few percentage points of more precise methods like DEXA scans, but it can be less reliable for very lean or very muscular individuals.
Where exactly should I measure?
Measure your neck just below the larynx, your waist at the narrowest point (or at the navel), and for women, hips at the widest point. A soft measuring tape held snug but not tight gives the most consistent results.
What's a healthy body fat percentage?
Healthy ranges vary by sex, age, and fitness goals, generally somewhere around 10-20% for men and 18-28% for women, though a doctor or fitness professional can give a more personalized assessment.
What body fat percentage is considered athletic?
Using the ranges in this calculator, “Athletic” falls between about 6–13% for men and 14–20% for women. See the categories table above for the full breakdown.
Can body fat percentage be too low?
Yes — dropping below the “essential fat” range (roughly under 2–5% for men, under 10–13% for women) can impair hormone production and organ function. Essential fat is the minimum needed for basic physiological health.
Does the Navy method work well for athletes or bodybuilders?
Less reliably — because it estimates fat from waist and neck circumference, very muscular individuals with a thick neck or midsection from muscle (not fat) can get an inflated body fat estimate. A skinfold or DEXA measurement is more accurate for that group.
About this tool
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy circumference method to estimate body fat percentage from a few simple tape measurements. It's a widely used, no-equipment way to get a general estimate, though it's not as precise as clinical methods like DEXA or hydrostatic weighing.