How accurate is the US Navy body fat method?

The US Navy method is accurate within 3-4% of DEXA scan results for most people. It's most accurate for people in the average body fat range and less accurate for very lean or very overweight individuals. For tracking progress over time, consistency in measurement technique matters more than absolute accuracy.

How should I measure my waist and neck?

Measure your waist at the navel (belly button) level, keeping the tape horizontal and snug but not compressing the skin. Measure your neck just below the larynx (Adam's apple), with the tape slightly angled down at the front. Women should measure hips at the widest point. Take measurements in the morning before eating.

What is a healthy body fat percentage?

For men, the fitness range is 14-17% and the athletic range is 6-13%. For women, the fitness range is 21-24% and the athletic range is 14-20%. The essential fat minimum is 2-5% for men and 10-13% for women — going below these levels is dangerous. Most healthy adults fall in the fitness or acceptable range.

Why is body fat percentage better than BMI?

BMI only considers weight relative to height and can't distinguish between fat and muscle. A muscular athlete may have a high BMI but low body fat. Body fat percentage directly measures what percentage of your weight is fat, making it a more accurate health indicator for active individuals.

Can I use this to track progress over time?

Yes. Take measurements under the same conditions each time (morning, before eating, same tape measure) and track the trend rather than worrying about individual measurements. A consistent downward trend in body fat percentage over weeks and months indicates real progress.

Loading tool...

Body Fat Calculator

A body fat calculator estimates your body fat percentage using the US Navy method from circumference measurements. Enter your waist, neck, and height (plus hip for women) to see your body fat percentage, fat mass, lean mass, and category classification.

100% FreeNo Signup RequiredBrowser-BasedPrivate & Secure

What is Body Fat Calculator?

A body fat calculator is a browser-based tool that estimates body fat percentage from circumference measurements using the US Navy method, providing fat mass, lean mass, and category classification for health and fitness assessment.

Complementary Tools

These tools work great alongside Body Fat Calculator:

BMI Calculator Calorie Calculator

Start Using Body Fat Calculator Today

Body fat percentage is the number that actually tells you about your body composition — not the scale, not BMI. This calculator uses the proven US Navy method with just a tape measure, gives you the full breakdown of fat and lean mass, and puts your percentage in context with standard categories. Track it over time, and you'll see the real story of your fitness progress.

Use Body Fat Calculator Free

Table of Contents