Estimate your body fat % with the accurate US Navy method
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Your Result
Body Fat Scale (Men)
Note: The US Navy method estimates body fat from circumference measurements. Accuracy is ±3–4 percentage points compared to DEXA. Results are for informational purposes only — consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
The US Navy body fat calculator estimates your body fat percentage using simple tape-measure circumference readings — no calipers or expensive scans needed. Based on a formula developed by the US Navy, it uses your height, waist, and neck (plus hip for women) to compute body fat %, fat mass, and lean mass in seconds. Accurate to within 3–4% of DEXA results for most adults.
The US Navy method typically comes within 3–4 percentage points of gold-standard DEXA scans for most adults. Accuracy depends heavily on consistent measurement technique — measuring at the correct sites (waist at the navel, neck just below the larynx) significantly reduces error.
Measure your waist horizontally at the level of your navel while standing relaxed and breathing out normally. Measure your neck circumference just below the larynx (Adam's apple), with the tape sloping slightly downward toward the front. Women also measure hips at the widest part of the buttocks.
Women naturally carry more fat around the hips and thighs (gynoid distribution), so including hip circumference improves the accuracy of the estimate. The male formula omits it because men tend to store excess fat primarily around the abdomen, making waist and neck sufficient predictors.
According to ACE guidelines, a healthy (fitness) range is roughly 14–17% for men and 21–24% for women. Athletes typically fall between 6–13% (men) or 14–20% (women). Essential fat — the minimum needed for basic physiological function — is around 2–5% for men and 10–13% for women.