HEALTH CALCULATOR
Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using your age, sex, height, and body measurements with the U.S. Navy method.
For men, enter your waist and neck measurements.
This result is an estimate and should not be considered a medical measurement.
What Is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body weight that consists of fat. Unlike body weight alone, body fat percentage can provide additional information about body composition.
Body fat is necessary for normal body functions, but the amount of body fat varies between individuals based on factors such as age, sex, genetics, and lifestyle.
How Does the Body Fat Calculator Work?
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy body fat estimation method. The method estimates body fat percentage using measurements of the body rather than relying only on body weight.
For men, the calculation uses height, waist circumference, and neck circumference.
For women, the calculation uses height, waist circumference, and hip circumference.
The result is an estimate and can differ from measurements obtained using methods such as DEXA scans, skinfold measurements, or specialized body-composition equipment.
Measurements Needed
Accurate measurements can improve the usefulness of the estimate. Measure consistently and use the same units throughout the calculation.
For Men
- Height
- Waist circumference
- Neck circumference
For Women
- Height
- Waist circumference
- Hip circumference
Metric and US Units
You can use either metric or US customary units. Metric measurements use centimeters, while US measurements use feet, inches, and circumference measurements in inches.
The calculator converts the measurements internally so that the appropriate formula can be applied.
Body Fat Percentage vs. BMI
Body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI) measure different things. BMI uses height and weight to provide a general weight classification, while body fat percentage estimates the proportion of your body that is fat.
Because these measurements provide different information, they should not be treated as interchangeable.
You can also use our BMI Calculator to calculate your BMI.
Body Fat Calculator Example
Suppose a man is 175 cm tall with a waist circumference of 85 cm and a neck circumference of 38 cm. The calculator uses these measurements with the U.S. Navy formula to estimate his body fat percentage.
The result is an estimate rather than a direct measurement of body composition.
How Accurate Is a Body Fat Calculator?
A body fat calculator provides an estimate rather than a precise measurement. The accuracy can be affected by measurement technique, body shape, where measurements are taken, and individual differences.
For more precise body-composition testing, specialized professional measurement methods may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is body fat percentage?
Body fat percentage is the percentage of total body weight consisting of fat tissue.
What method does this calculator use?
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy circumference-based method to estimate body fat percentage.
What measurements do men need?
The calculation for men uses height, waist circumference, and neck circumference.
What measurements do women need?
The calculation for women uses height, waist circumference, and hip circumference.
Is body fat percentage the same as BMI?
No. BMI is calculated from height and weight, while body fat percentage estimates how much of your body weight consists of fat.
Is the body fat result exact?
No. The result is an estimate. Measurement technique and individual body characteristics can affect the accuracy of the calculation.