Body Fat Calculator

This calculator uses the US Navy circumference method: it estimates body fat from your height, neck and waist (plus hips for women). It's a quick, equipment-free estimate that correlates reasonably well with more expensive methods like DEXA, without needing calipers or a scan.

For men, about 10–20% is healthy (athletes 6–13%); for women, about 18–28% is healthy (athletes 14–20%). Women naturally carry more essential fat than men. Below the essential-fat level (2–5% men, 10–13% women) is unsafe.

It's typically within about 3–4% of a DEXA scan for most people, good enough to track changes over time. Measure consistently: same time of day, tape snug but not compressing the skin, and breathe normally at the waist measurement.

For body composition, yes. BMI can't tell muscle from fat, so a muscular person may read 'overweight' on BMI while having low body fat. Body fat percentage measures fat directly, which is why it's often a better fitness marker. Though BMI is still a useful quick screen.

Measure your neck just below the larynx, sloping slightly down to the front. Measure your waist at the navel for men, and at the narrowest point for women; women also measure hips at the widest point. Keep the tape level and snug, and don't suck in.