health Calculator

Body Fat Percentage Calculator (US Navy)

Estimate your body fat percentage, lean body mass, and fat mass using tape measurements via the official US Navy circumference method.

Audited by UniqCalc Methodology Team • Formula Checked • Free & No Registration Required

Verified Mathematical Model & Formulation

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
Fat Mass = Weight × (%Fat / 100)
Lean Mass = Weight - Fat Mass

Uses logarithmic circumference equations developed by the US Naval Health Research Center to estimate body density and subcutaneous/visceral fat tissue without hydrostatic weighing or DEXA.

Configurable Parameters & Standard Units

  • Biological Sex (1=Male, 2=Female): (Default: 1 count)
  • Body Weight (kg): (Default: 78 kg)
  • Height (cm): (Default: 178 cm)
  • Neck Circumference (cm): (Default: 38 cm)
  • Waist Circumference (cm): (Default: 86 cm)
  • Hip Circumference (cm) [Females only]: (Default: 96 cm)

Standard Worked Example & Practical Verification

Scenario: A male weighing 80 kg, 178 cm tall, with neck 39 cm and waist 84 cm.

Calculated Solution
21.3% Body Fat (17.1 kg Fat Mass, 62.9 kg Lean Mass)

Practical Takeaway: Puts the user in the healthy fitness category for adult males.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered an ideal body fat percentage?

For men: Essential fat is 2-5%, Athletes 6-13%, Fitness 14-17%, Average 18-24%, Obese 25%+. For women: Essential fat is 10-13%, Athletes 14-20%, Fitness 21-24%, Average 25-31%, Obese 32%+.

How accurate is the US Navy method compared to DEXA?

Studies show the US Navy tape method correlates within 3% to 4% of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans for the vast majority of healthy adults.