How does the US Navy body fat method work?

It estimates body fat from the circumference of the neck, waist, and, for women, the hips, along with height. It is a quick tape measure method that correlates reasonably well with more accurate tests, though it is an estimate, not a medical measurement.

What is a healthy body fat percentage?

General fitness ranges are often quoted as roughly 14 to 24% for men and 21 to 31% for women, with athletes lower. Healthy ranges vary by age and individual, so treat the result as a guide and talk to a health professional for advice.

How should I measure for accuracy?

Use a flexible tape, measure relaxed, and take each measurement at the same point a couple of times. Measure the waist at the navel, the neck below the larynx, and for women the hips at the widest point.

Body Fat Calculator

Estimate your body fat percentage with the US Navy tape measure method. Choose your sex and enter your height and a few measurements in centimetres. The calculator returns an estimated body fat percentage and a general category. It is a guide, not a medical measurement.

Sex

Height (cm)

Neck (cm)

Waist (cm)

estimated body fat

Category--

An estimate using the US Navy method. For an accurate assessment, see a health professional.

How it works

The US Navy method uses the difference between the waist and neck for men, and waist plus hip minus neck for women, together with height, in a logarithmic formula. It is a quick estimate from a tape measure, not a clinical body composition test.

Measuring tips

Measure the neck just below the voice box, the waist at the navel, and for women the hips at the widest point. Keep the tape level and snug but not tight, and measure relaxed.

Related calculators

BMI Calculator: body mass index.
Ideal Weight Calculator: healthy weight range.
Calorie Calculator: daily calories.
TDEE Calculator: energy expenditure.

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