Navy Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage with the US Navy circumference method using your height, neck and waist (and hips for women), with fat mass and lean mass if you add your weight. Example: a man 70 in tall with a 15 in neck and 34 in waist has about 17.5% body fat.
How to use the Navy Body Fat Calculator
- Enter the values in the fields.
- Press Calculate to see the result with the steps shown.
Formula and method
Men: body fat % = 86.010 x log10(waist – neck) – 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76. Women: body fat % = 163.205 x log10(waist + hip – neck) – 97.684 x log10(height) – 78.387, with all measurements in inches.
Body fat categories (ACE)
| 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 |
How to measure for the Navy method
Stand relaxed and measure on bare skin. Neck: just below the Adam’s apple, tape sloping slightly down toward the front. Waist: at the navel for men, at the narrowest point for women. Hips: at the widest point of the buttocks. Take each twice and average.
Accuracy and limits
The Navy method is within about 3 to 4 percentage points of DEXA for most adults, but less accurate for very muscular or very lean people. Track changes over time with the same tape and technique.
Navy method versus other estimates
| Method | Needs | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Navy tape | Neck, waist, (hips) | Moderate |
| BMI formula | Height, weight, age | Low |
| Skinfold calipers | Calipers and skill | Moderate |
| DEXA scan | Clinic | High |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate body fat with the Navy method?
Use height, neck and waist (plus hips for women) in the logarithmic formula.
How accurate is the Navy body fat calculator?
Typically within 3 to 4 percentage points.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
About 14 to 24% for women and 6 to 17% for men is the fitness and athletic range; ranges rise with age.
Do I need hip measurements?
Only for women.
Why is my result different from my scale?
Smart scales use electrical impedance, which is affected by hydration.
Is it valid in pregnancy?
No.
Sources
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