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Body Fat Calculator

Estimate body fat % using the US Navy circumference method.

Short answer

The Navy method uses waist, neck, height (and hip for women) to estimate body fat % within ±3% of a DEXA scan for most people.

Measurements

Sex

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How it works

The US Navy circumference formula uses log-transformed body measurements that correlate well with hydrostatic body fat measurement.

Worked example

Male, 175 cm, 38 cm neck, 85 cm waist → ≈ 17% body fat (Fitness range).

Who should use this

  • •People tracking fat loss
  • •Anyone whose BMI is misleading (very muscular)

Common mistakes

  • ×Measuring over clothing
  • ×Holding breath or sucking in waist
  • ×Measuring at the navel — use the narrowest point

Frequently asked questions

Is this more accurate than BMI?▾

For body composition yes — BMI doesn't distinguish fat from muscle.

Related calculators

BMI Calculator →BMR Calculator →TDEE Calculator →