Body Fat Calculator
What is a Body Fat Calculator?
A Body Fat Calculator is a useful tool that estimates the percentage of body fat in your body based on key physical measurements. Unlike BMI (Body Mass Index), which only considers height and weight, a body fat calculator provides a more accurate reflection of your body composition — distinguishing between fat mass and lean mass (muscles, bones, organs, etc.).
Our calculator uses the U.S. Navy Method, a widely accepted approach for estimating body fat percentage using circumference measurements of the neck, waist, and hips (for women), along with height and gender.
Body Fat Calculator
Calculate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy Method
| Category | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | 2-5% |
| Athletes | 14-20% | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 21-24% | 14-17% |
| Average | 25-31% | 18-24% |
| Obese | 32%+ | 25%+ |
Understanding Body Fat, Overweight, and Obesity
Body fat is essential for regulating body temperature, storing energy, and protecting internal organs. However, too much body fat, particularly visceral fat (fat stored around the organs), can pose significant health risks.
Healthy Body Fat Range: This varies based on age, gender, and fitness level. In general:
Men: 10%–20% is considered healthy
Women: 18%–28% is considered healthy
Overweight refers to a body weight that is higher than what is considered healthy for a given height, and it may or may not be due to excess fat.
Obesity is defined by an excessive accumulation of body fat that may impair health. It is commonly identified using a BMI of 30 or higher, though body fat percentage gives a more precise picture.
Potential Complications of Excess Body Fat
Carrying too much body fat, especially around the abdomen, increases the risk of developing serious health conditions, including:
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Certain cancers
Sleep apnea
Fatty liver disease
Joint problems and reduced mobility
Maintaining a healthy body fat percentage can significantly reduce these risks and improve your overall quality of life.
Measuring Body Fat Percentage Using the U.S. Navy Method
The U.S. Navy Method is a simple, non-invasive way to estimate body fat using body measurements. Here’s how it works:
For Men:
Required measurements:
Neck circumference
Waist circumference (measured at the navel)
Height
For Women:
Required measurements:
Neck circumference
Waist circumference (measured at the narrowest point)
Hip circumference (widest point)
Height
These values are then applied to a standardized formula developed by the U.S. Navy to calculate an approximate body fat percentage. While not as precise as DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing, this method is highly practical and reasonably accurate for everyday use.
Disclaimer
The results from this calculator are estimates only and should not replace professional medical advice. For a comprehensive assessment of your health, please consult a healthcare provider or fitness professional.