Health & FitnessUpdated May 2026

Body Fat Percentage Calculator

Estimate your body fat percentage using the US Navy tape measure method. Get your lean and fat mass in pounds and kg.

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Updated 2026

Body Fat Percentage Calculator

Use this free body fat calculator to estimate body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy tape method.
About Body Fat

Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat relative to total body weight. It's a better indicator of fitness than BMI alone.

Body Fat Categories:

  • Men - Essential Fat: 2-6% - Necessary for normal functioning
  • Men - Athletic: 6-14% - Typical of elite athletes
  • Men - Fitness: 14-18% - Good fitness level
  • Men - Average: 18-25% - Normal range
  • Men - Above Average: 25%+ - Higher than recommended
  • Women - Essential Fat: 10-16% - Necessary for normal functioning
  • Women - Athletic: 16-21% - Typical of elite athletes
  • Women - Fitness: 21-25% - Good fitness level
  • Women - Average: 25-32% - Normal range
  • Women - Above Average: 32%+ - Higher than recommended

Measurement Tips:

  • Neck: Measure at the narrowest point, keep tape level
  • Waist: Measure at the navel level, at the narrowest point
  • Hip (women): Measure at the widest point, keep tape level
  • Take measurements while standing relaxed
  • Measure consistently at the same time of day

This calculator uses the U.S. Navy Method, which has an accuracy of 3-4%. For precise measurements, consider professional body composition testing methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.

This free body fat percentage calculator uses the U.S. Navy circumference formula to estimate how much of your weight comes from fat versus lean mass, helping you understand how to calculate body fat percentage and track progress over time.

How to calculate body fat percentage at home: use a scale and a flexible tape measure to record your weight, neck, waist and (for women) hip circumference, then enter the numbers into the calculator and tap "Calculate Body Fat" at the same time of day each week.

The Navy method is very similar to how many military and army tests calculate body fat percentage, so this tool can also help when you need to calculate body fat percentage army-style for screening or fitness standards.

The result view also acts as an ideal body fat percentage calculator by showing whether your body fat falls into essential, athletic, fitness, average or above-average ranges for your gender.

Body Fat Percentage FAQ

Why is body fat percentage more important than BMI?

Body fat percentage estimates how much of your weight comes from fat instead of muscle, bone and water, so it gives a clearer picture of your body composition than BMI, which only uses height and weight.

How accurate is this body fat percentage calculator?

This calculator uses the U.S. Navy circumference method, which typically has an accuracy of about plus or minus 3 to 4 percent when you take careful, consistent measurements.

How often should I measure my body fat percentage?

Most people only need to measure body fat percentage every 2 to 4 weeks. Day-to-day changes are mostly water weight, so focusing on longer-term trends is more helpful.

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How our body fat calculator works

1

Enter your measurements

Type height, weight, neck, and waist (and hip for women). The calculator uses the US Navy tape measure method, the most accurate home estimate.

2

We compute body fat percentage

Using Siri or Brozek equations, we convert body density to body fat percentage. The result includes both fat mass and lean mass in pounds and kilograms.

3

See your category

Get your body fat category (essential, athletic, fitness, average, obese) based on American Council on Exercise guidelines.

Key things to know about our body fat calculator:

  • US Navy method accuracy: Within 3-4% of DEXA scans for most adults. Better than BMI alone, especially for muscular or sedentary individuals.
  • For women: Essential fat is 10-13%, athletic is 14-20%, fitness is 21-24%, average is 25-31%, obese is 32%+.
  • For men: Essential fat is 2-5%, athletic is 6-13%, fitness is 14-17%, average is 18-24%, obese is 25%+.

For related calculations, try our BMI calculator.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about this calculator. Can't find what you're looking for? Email our team.

A body fat calculator is a free tool that estimates body fat percentage using the US Navy circumference method or BMI-based formulas. Our body fat calculator takes height, neck, waist, and (for women) hip measurements to compute lean mass and fat mass in pounds or kilograms. The body fat calculator is more accurate than BMI alone for assessing health risk.

How it works

How to estimate body fat percentage at home

Our body fat calculator lets you estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy tape measure method in four steps.

  1. 1

    Pick your sex

    Choose male or female. The formula is different because women store fat differently than men.

  2. 2

    Measure your body

    Use a tape measure to record your height, neck, and waist. For women, also measure hips at the widest point.

  3. 3

    Enter your measurements and weight

    Type your height, neck, waist, hip (if female), and weight. Use inches and pounds for imperial, centimeters and kilograms for metric.

  4. 4

    Read your result

    The calculator shows your body fat percentage, lean body mass, and fat mass in pounds or kilograms, plus the category your percentage falls into.

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