- Select your preferred unit system (Metric or Imperial)
- Enter your gender, age, height, and weight
- Measure and enter your neck circumference
- Measure and enter your waist circumference at navel level
- For females, also measure and enter hip circumference
- Select your preferred calculation method
- Click 'Calculate Body Fat' to see your results
How accurate is the US Navy method?
The US Navy method is generally accurate within 3-4% of more precise methods like DEXA scans for most people. It's widely used because it only requires a tape measure and provides reasonably accurate results.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
Healthy body fat ranges differ by gender. For men, 14-24% is considered average/healthy, while for women it's 21-31%. Athletes typically have lower percentages (6-13% for men, 14-20% for women). Essential fat (minimum needed for health) is 2-5% for men and 10-13% for women.
Why do women have higher body fat percentages?
Women naturally have higher essential body fat due to hormonal differences and reproductive functions. This essential fat is stored in breasts, hips, and thighs and is necessary for normal hormonal function and fertility.
How often should I measure my body fat?
For tracking progress, measure every 2-4 weeks under consistent conditions (same time of day, same hydration level). Body fat changes slowly, so daily measurements aren't useful and can be misleading due to normal fluctuations.