Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage with the US Navy method from height, neck and waist (plus hip for women) and see which body fat category you fall into.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
Healthy ranges differ by gender: men 10-20%, women 20-30%. Athletes may have lower percentages. Essential fat minimums are about 3-5% for men and 10-13% for women.
How can I measure my body fat percentage?
Methods include skin fold calipers, bioelectrical impedance (smart scales), DEXA scans (most accurate), and the Navy method using waist and neck measurements. Each has different accuracy levels.
Does this calculator replace a doctor visit?
No. This calculator provides general orientation only. For medical questions, or before starting a diet, therapy or treatment, always consult a qualified physician or therapist.
Guide
What is the Body Fat Calculator?
The body fat calculator estimates body fat percentage using body measurements (Navy method) or skinfold measurements.
How does the Body Fat Calculator work?
Enter sex, waist circumference, neck circumference and height (Navy method). Alternatively enter skinfold thicknesses at 3-7 measurement points. The calculator estimates body fat percentage and assigns it to categories.
Key Data and Facts
Recommended body fat: men 10-20%, women 20-30%. Essential body fat: men approx. 3-5%, women approx. 10-13%. BMI alone says little about actual body fat.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate your body fat percentage step by step (Navy method): 1. Choose your sex: the formulas and measurement points differ. 2. Measure your height: in cm, without shoes. 3. Measure your waist circumference: at the navel, at skin level, after normal exhalation. Men typically 80-110 cm. 4. Measure your neck circumference: below the larynx, at the narrowest point. Men typically 35-45 cm. 5. Women only: measure the hip circumference at the widest point. 6. Navy formula (all measurements in inches, i.e. cm / 2.54): men: BFP (%) = 86.010 x log10(waist - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76. Women: BFP (%) = 163.205 x log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387. 7. Classify the result: men – essential 3-5 %, athletic 6-13 %, fitness 14-17 %, acceptable 18-24 %, elevated from 25 %. Women – essential 10-13 %, athletic 14-20 %, fitness 21-24 %, acceptable 25-31 %, elevated from 32 %.
Calculation Example
Man, 180 cm, waist 90 cm, neck 40 cm. The Navy formula works in inches (cm / 2.54): height 70.87, waist 35.43, neck 15.75. Body fat = 86.010 x log10(35.43 - 15.75) - 70.041 x log10(70.87) + 36.76 = 86.010 x 1.294 - 70.041 x 1.850 + 36.76 = 111.30 - 129.58 + 36.76 ≈ 18.5% (acceptable range).
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
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