Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage in seconds using the U.S. Navy circumference method — just a tape measure, no calipers or scans required.
Calculate Your Body Fat Percentage
Enter your gender, height, and a few circumference measurements to get an instant body fat percentage estimate and see which category it falls into.
Your Measurements
Enter your details to estimate body fat percentage
Body Fat Results
Estimated using the U.S. Navy method
Body Fat Category Chart
Standard body fat percentage categories for men and women, based on the American Council on Exercise classification.
| Category | Description | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | Minimum needed for basic physical health | 2–5% | 10–13% |
| Athletes | Typical of competitive athletes | 6–13% | 14–20% |
| Fitness | Lean, active, visibly toned | 14–17% | 21–24% |
| Average | Typical for the general population | 18–24% | 25–31% |
| Obese | Above the average healthy range | 25%+ | 32%+ |
Body Fat Calculator FAQ
Everything you need to know about the U.S. Navy method and body fat percentage.
The U.S. Navy method estimates body fat percentage using circumference measurements of the neck, waist, and (for women) hips, combined with height, instead of skinfold calipers or scanning equipment. It was developed by the U.S. Navy as a quick, low-cost way to estimate body composition for fitness standards.
Body fat percentage gives a better picture of body composition than BMI, since BMI only considers height and weight and cannot distinguish muscle from fat. Someone with high muscle mass can have a high BMI but a low, healthy body fat percentage.
For men, a body fat percentage of roughly 14 to 24 percent is generally considered within the fitness to average range, while for women the equivalent range is roughly 21 to 31 percent. Athletes typically sit below these ranges, and healthy ranges can vary with age and individual circumstances.
Body fat percentage is typically reduced through a sustained combination of a modest calorie deficit, regular strength training to preserve muscle mass, and adequate protein intake. Gradual, consistent changes tend to be more sustainable than rapid weight loss.