Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy method.
Why the Scale Lies (And Body Fat Tells the Truth)
Your bathroom scale can be misleading. If you're strength training, you might be gaining muscle and losing fat, but the number on the scale might not budge. Body fat percentage is a much better metric for tracking real fitness progress. This calculator uses the U.S. Navy method, which relies on simple body measurements, to give you a reliable estimate of your body composition without needing expensive calipers or scans.
How to Estimate Your Body Fat
To get your estimate, you'll need a tape measure and a few key measurements:
- Height, Weight, Neck, and Waist: These are required for both men and women. Make sure your measurements are taken at the widest point for the waist (usually around the navel) and neck.
- For women only: You will also need to measure your hips at their widest point.
The calculator will then provide your estimated body fat percentage and a general fitness category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is body fat a better metric than BMI?
A: Body Mass Index (BMI) only uses height and weight. It can't distinguish between fat and muscle. A lean, muscular athlete could be classified as "overweight" by BMI. Body fat percentage directly measures your body composition, which is a more accurate indicator of health and fitness.
Q: What is a healthy body fat percentage?
A: Healthy ranges vary by age and gender. For men, a "fit" range is typically 14-17%, while for women it's 21-24%. Athletes will have lower percentages, while the "average" range is higher. The key is to track your own trend over time.