Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage with the US Navy tape method.
- Category
- —
- Method
- US Navy
The US Navy body fat method
The US Navy circumference method estimates body fat from a few tape measurements — neck and waist for everyone, plus hips for women — together with your height. It is a quick, equipment-light alternative to callipers or DEXA scans and needs no special hardware.
Reading your result
The tool returns an estimated body fat percentage and a general category. Because it is based on body shape rather than direct measurement, it is best used to track changes over time rather than as an exact figure.
Note: This estimate is for general information only and is not medical advice. For an accurate assessment, consult a qualified health professional.
How to use the Body Fat Calculator
- Choose your sex. The formula differs for men and women; women also enter a hip measurement.
- Measure and enter. Add your height, neck and waist (and hips) in centimetres.
- Read your body fat. See your estimated body fat percentage and category.
- Track over time. Re-measure under the same conditions to monitor progress.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I measure my waist?
Measure at the navel for men and at the narrowest point for women, keeping the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin.
How accurate is the Navy method?
It is reasonably accurate for most people and useful for tracking trends, but it can be off by several points versus lab methods like DEXA.
Why do women enter hips?
The female equation includes hip circumference to better capture fat distribution, which differs from the male pattern.
Is my data stored?
No. All measurements are processed in your browser and nothing is sent to a server.