Body Fat Calculator
Calculate your body fat percentage using different methods including the Navy formula and BMI method.
Body Fat Calculator
Body Fat Category Scale
Your Body Fat Category
Body Composition
Understanding Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass. It's a more specific measurement than BMI because it distinguishes between fat and lean muscle mass. Here's what your body fat percentage means:
| Classification | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | 2-5% |
| Athletic | 14-20% | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 21-24% | 14-17% |
| Average | 25-31% | 18-24% |
| Obese | 32%+ | 25%+ |
Calculation Methods
This calculator uses two methods to estimate your body fat percentage:
U.S. Navy Method
The Navy Method uses circumference measurements at specific body points to estimate body fat percentage. For men, it measures the neck and waist. For women, it measures the neck, waist, and hips. This method is considered reasonably accurate for most people.
BMI Method
This method uses your BMI, age, and gender to estimate body fat percentage. It's less accurate than the Navy Method but requires fewer measurements. The formula was developed by researchers to convert BMI to body fat percentage.
Limitations
While these methods provide reasonable estimates for most people, they have limitations:
- They may be less accurate for athletes with higher muscle mass
- They don't account for differences in bone density
- They can be less accurate for elderly individuals due to changes in body composition
- The most accurate methods for measuring body fat (DEXA scans, hydrostatic weighing) require specialized equipment