Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy method. This calculator uses body measurements to provide a general assessment of your body composition.
Bookmark this Calculator!
Understanding Body Fat Percentage
While BMI is a common measure of healthy weight, body fat percentage provides a more accurate picture of your body composition by distinguishing between fat mass and lean mass (muscle, bone, water, etc.). This calculator uses the U.S. Navy method, which utilizes body measurements to estimate your body fat percentage.
The U.S. Navy Method Formula
The formula is different for males and females and relies on specific body circumference measurements.
For Males (measurements in inches):
Body Fat % = 86.010 × log10(waist - neck) - 70.041 × log10(height) + 36.76
For Females (measurements in inches):
Body Fat % = 163.205 × log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 × log10(height) - 78.387
The calculator performs these logarithmic calculations for you to provide an estimate of your body fat percentage, lean mass, and fat mass.
Interpreting Your Body Fat Percentage
Healthy body fat ranges vary by age and gender. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) provides the following general categories:
| Description | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | 2-5% |
| Athletes | 14-20% | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 21-24% | 14-17% |
| Acceptable | 25-31% | 18-24% |
| Obesity | 32%+ | 25%+ |
Practical Example
Let's consider a 30-year-old female who is 5'6" (66 inches) tall with the following measurements:
- Waist: 29 inches
- Hips: 38 inches
- Neck: 13 inches
- Calculate waist + hip - neck: 29 + 38 - 13 = 54
- Plug values into the formula: Body Fat % = 163.205 × log10(54) - 97.684 × log10(66) - 78.387
- Result: After calculation, this would result in a body fat percentage of approximately 25.4%, which falls into the "Acceptable" range.
Similar Calculators
Convert your A1c level to an Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) number. A vital tool for individuals with diabetes to understand their blood sugar control.
Calculate the adjusted body weight (AjBW), a measurement used in nutrition and medicine for obese patients to determine calorie and protein needs.
Calculate the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC), an important measure of immune system health, especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
This tool calculates BMI and provides information and resources regarding low body weight and eating disorders, emphasizing health and professional help.
Estimate your 10-year risk of developing Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD). This tool helps assess heart disease and stroke risk.
Estimate your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) based on the number of drinks consumed, your weight, and time. A tool for promoting responsible drinking.
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to get a general assessment of your weight status. Understand the BMI categories and their health implications.
Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) to determine the number of calories your body needs to function at rest. A key metric for weight management.
Explore Other Calculators
Quickly calculate the date that is 100 days from a starting date. Perfect for tracking 100-day challenges or project milestones.
Estimate your self-employment taxes as a freelancer or independent contractor. Helps you plan for quarterly tax payments and avoid surprises.
Find the date that is 120 days from any given start date. Useful for planning timelines, loan terms, and long-term projects.
Calculate the date that is 180 days (about six months) from a specific start date. Ideal for setting semi-annual goals or deadlines.
A simple tool to find the date that is exactly 30 days from a given start date. Commonly used for trial periods and monthly planning.
Quickly add or subtract 30 minutes from any given time. A handy tool for scheduling meetings, breaks, or appointments.
Project the growth of your 401(k) retirement savings over time. See how contributions, employer match, and investment returns can impact your nest egg.
Find the date that is 45 days from a specific start date. Useful for tracking mid-quarter deadlines and other short-term goals.