Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy method, BMI method, or skinfold calipers
Health
Fitness
Body Composition
U.S. Navy Method — Measurements
Body Fat Percentage Categories (Male)
| Category | Range |
|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 2% – 5% |
| Athletes | 6% – 13% |
| Fitness | 14% – 17% |
| Average | 18% – 24% |
| Obese | 25% – 45%+ |
About This Tool
This body fat percentage calculator supports three widely used estimation methods:
- U.S. Navy Method — Uses circumference measurements (waist, neck, hip, height) to estimate body fat via a logarithmic formula. Practical and reasonably accurate for home use.
- BMI-Based (Deurenberg Formula) — Estimates body fat from BMI, age, and sex. Convenient but less precise for muscular individuals. If you want to compare weight and height data across multiple people, try our Bulk Weight & Height Comparison tool.
- Skinfold Calipers (Jackson-Pollock 3-Site) — Uses skin-fold thickness measurements and the Siri equation for body density conversion. Accurate when performed correctly.
For overall health monitoring, consider pairing this with our Water Intake Calculator and Caffeine Half-Life Calculator.
All processing happens entirely in your browser — no personal data is sent to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is body fat percentage?
Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body weight that is composed of fat tissue. It is a key indicator of fitness and health, more informative than BMI alone because it distinguishes between fat mass and lean mass (muscle, bone, water).
Which method is the most accurate?
Among these three methods, the U.S. Navy method is widely considered the most practical and reasonably accurate for home use. The skinfold caliper method (Jackson-Pollock 3-site) can be very accurate when performed correctly by a trained person. The BMI-based method is the least precise as it uses a population-level regression formula. For the highest accuracy, consider DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing performed at a clinic.
How do I measure my waist and neck for the Navy method?
Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually at the navel) and your neck just below the larynx (Adam's apple), keeping the tape level. For women, also measure hips at the widest point. Use a flexible measuring tape and keep it snug but not tight.
Is my data safe?
Absolutely. All calculations happen entirely in your browser. No personal measurements are sent to any server. You can also use our Bulk Weight & Height Comparison tool for comparing multiple people's measurements privately.
What body fat percentage is considered healthy?
For men, 14–17% is considered the "Fitness" range and 18–24% is "Average." For women, 21–24% is "Fitness" and 25–31% is "Average." Athletes may be lower, but going below essential fat levels (2–5% for men, 10–13% for women) is dangerous. Track other health metrics with our Water Intake Calculator for overall wellness.
Can I use this calculator if I only know my weight and height?
Yes! Select the BMI-based method, which only requires your weight, height, age, and sex. While less precise than the Navy or skinfold methods, it provides a reasonable estimate based on the Deurenberg formula.