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Calculate your body fat percentage using the Navy Body Fat Formula
Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat in your body compared to your total body weight. Unlike BMI, which only considers weight and height, body fat percentage provides a more accurate assessment of body composition and health risk. This calculator uses the U.S. Navy Body Fat Formula, which estimates body fat based on measurements of your waist, neck, and (for women) hip circumference.
The Navy Body Fat Formula uses circumference measurements to estimate body fat percentage. This method is based on research conducted by the U.S. Navy and provides a practical way to estimate body composition without specialized equipment.
For Men: BF% = 495 / (1.0324 - 0.19077 × log10(waist - neck) + 0.15456 × log10(height)) - 450
For Women: BF% = 495 / (1.29579 - 0.35004 × log10(waist + hip - neck) + 0.22100 × log10(height)) - 450
All measurements should be in centimeters. The formula accounts for body shape and size differences between men and women.
| Category | Men (%) | Women (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 2-5% | 10-13% |
| Athletes | 6-13% | 14-20% |
| Fitness | 14-17% | 21-24% |
| Average | 18-24% | 25-31% |
| Obese | 25%+ | 32%+ |
Body fat percentage is a more accurate indicator of health and fitness than weight alone because:
While the Navy Body Fat Formula is convenient and reasonably accurate for most people, it has limitations:
Important Note: This body fat calculator provides estimates based on the Navy Body Fat Formula. For the most accurate body composition assessment, consider professional methods such as DEXA scans, hydrostatic weighing, or BodPod testing. For personalized health advice and body composition goals, consult with a healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or certified fitness professional.
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