Understanding Body Fat Percentage

Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body weight that is composed of fat. It is a more accurate indicator of your health and fitness level than body weight alone or even the Body Mass Index (BMI). A healthy body fat percentage is essential for overall well-being as both excessively high and dangerously low levels can pose health risks.

How to Take Accurate Measurements

For this calculator to be accurate, your circumference measurements must be taken correctly. Use a flexible measuring tape and ensure it is held snugly but not so tight that it compresses the skin.

• Height: Stand straight without shoes.
• Neck: Measure around your neck just below the larynx (Adam's apple).
• Waist: For men, measure at the level of your navel. For women, measure at the narrowest point of your waist, usually just above the navel.
• Hip (Females only): Measure around the widest part of your hips or buttocks.

The U.S. Navy Method

This calculator uses the body fat estimation formula developed by the U.S. Navy. It is important to note that the formula requires all measurements to be in inches. This calculator automatically converts from metric if you enter cm values. The formulas are:

• Men: %Fat = 86.010 * log10(waist - neck) - 70.041 * log10(height) + 36.76
• Women: %Fat = 163.205 * log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 * log10(height) - 78.387

Body Fat Categories

Health organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) provide general categories for body fat percentages.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes. The U.S. Navy method is a convenient but not a clinical-grade measurement. For the most accurate results, methods like DEXA scans are considered the gold standard. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized health advice.