Body Fat Percentage Calculator
A real estimate using just a tape measure -- the U.S. Navy circumference method.
Estimated body fat percentage
18.0%
Category: Fitness
Essential fat
2-5%
Athletes
6-13%
Fitness
14-17%
Average
18-24%
Obese
25%+
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a tape-measure body fat estimate?
The U.S. Navy circumference method used here is generally accurate within a few percentage points for most people -- close enough to track real trends over time, though a DEXA scan or hydrostatic weighing will be more precise for an exact number.
Why does the formula need different measurements for men and women?
Men and women tend to carry fat differently (more around the waist for men, more around the hip for women), so the published Navy formula uses a different measurement set and set of constants for each to stay accurate.
Where should I measure my waist and neck?
Waist: at the narrowest point, or at the navel if there's no clear narrowing. Neck: just below the larynx (Adam's apple), tape sloped slightly downward at the front. Measure snug but not compressed.