Free tool
Body fat percentage calculator
Enter a few tape measurements to estimate your body fat percentage using the standard US Navy method, and see where it falls against the essential, athlete, fitness, average and obese bands for your sex. Nothing is stored or sent.
Estimated body fat
This is a general estimate from the standard US Navy tape-measurement formula, not medical advice and not a body scan or diagnosis. Measurement technique and individual body shape can shift the result by a few percentage points. Consult a doctor or a DEXA/body-composition scan for a clinical assessment.
Standard body fat categories, by sex
| Category | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 10 to 13% | 2 to 5% |
| Athletes | 14 to 20% | 6 to 13% |
| Fitness | 21 to 24% | 14 to 17% |
| Average | 25 to 31% | 18 to 24% |
| Obese | 32% and above | 25% and above |
These are the commonly cited American Council on Exercise (ACE) body fat categories. Essential fat is the minimum needed for normal hormonal and organ function; below it is unhealthy, not "better". Ranges are general guidance, not a personal target set by a doctor.
Common questions
How accurate is the US Navy body fat method?
The US Navy circumference method is a widely used tape-measurement formula and is a reasonable estimate for most adults, usually within a few percentage points of more precise methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing. It can be less accurate for very lean athletes, older adults, or people with an unusual body shape. Treat the result as a trend to track over time, not an exact clinical measurement.
Why do men and women have different body fat formulas and categories?
Women naturally carry a higher percentage of essential body fat than men, needed for hormonal and reproductive function, so the healthy ranges are shifted upward for women at every category. The US Navy formula also asks women for an additional hip measurement, because fat distribution differs by sex.
Where exactly should I measure my neck, waist and hips?
Measure your neck just below the larynx (Adam’s apple), with the tape sloping slightly downward at the front. Measure your waist at the narrowest point, usually just above the navel. Measure your hips at the widest point around the buttocks. Keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin, and measure in centimetres for this calculator.
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