The body fat percentage calculator calculates an estimate of body fat percentage using waist circumference, neck circumference and height. For women, the calculator also takes into account hip circumference. The calculator uses the US Navy Method.
Body fat percentage refers to the amount of fat mass in relation to total body mass. The American Council on Exercise has created body fat percentage reference values for different fitness levels.
Men | Women | |
---|---|---|
Necessary amount of fat | 2−5 % | 10−13 % |
Athletes | 6−13 % | 14−20 % |
Fitness athletes | 14−17 % | 21−24 % |
Healthy average | 18−24 % | 25−31 % |
Overweight | 25 % and above | 32 % and above |
You measure your waist circumference with a tape measure 2 cm above your navel. Breathe out normally and at the end of your exhalation - when your stomach is at its smallest - look at the measurement result. Hold the tape measure lightly around your waist. It should not be too loose, but not too tight either.
You measure the neck circumference with a tape measure just below the Adam's apple. The person being measured should keep their shoulders relaxed and their gaze straight ahead, with their chin in a neutral position without tensing the muscles of the neck or nape.
You measure the hip circumference with a tape measure at the widest point of the hips. Take the measurement while standing.
The formula for calculating body fat percentage for men is
body fat percentage = 495 / (1.0324 − 0.19077 × log10(waist circumference − neck circumference) + 0.15456 × log10(height)) − 450
The formula for calculating body fat percentage for women is
body fat percentage = 495 / (1.29579 − 0.35004 × log10(waist circumference + hip circumference − neck circumference) + 0.22100 × log10(height)) − 450
Robert Wood, "Measuring Body Fat Using Girths." Topend Sports Website, first published October 2008, https://www.topendsports.com/testing/bodyfat-girths.htm, Accessed 26 February 2025.
PULMONARY, CRITICAL CARE AND SLEEP SPECIALISTS, PA. Tips to measure Neck Circumference. 26.2.2025. https://lungandsleepdocs.com/tips-to-measure-neck-circumference/
Shaheen, A., Javed, N., Azam, F., Liaquat, A., Khan, M., Alam, S. M., & Mumtaz, S. (2019). Comparison of Bioelectrical Impedance and Navy Seal Formula to Measure Body Composition in Medical Students. Cureus, 11(5), e4723. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4723