How body fat percentage is estimated
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy method, which estimates body fat from simple tape measurements rather than expensive equipment. For men it uses height, neck and waist; for women it adds the hip measurement. It is an estimate, not a lab reading, but it is consistent and genuinely useful for tracking change over time.
Worked example
A man 180 cm tall with a 40 cm neck and 90 cm waist comes out at roughly 18.4% body fat, which sits in the average range for men.
Body fat percentage chart
Rough ranges differ by sex. For men: essential 2 to 5%, athletes 6 to 13%, fitness 14 to 17%, average 18 to 24%, and 25%+ is high. Women naturally carry more, so each band sits several points higher.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the US Navy method?
It is a reliable estimate for tracking trends, usually within a few percent of advanced methods. For a precise reading, a DEXA scan is the gold standard.
Why do men and women have different ranges?
Women naturally carry more essential fat for hormonal and reproductive health, so healthy body fat ranges sit several percentage points higher than for men.
How accurate is the Navy method?
It is usually within a few percent of a DEXA scan for most people, and consistent enough to track change over time if you measure the same way each time.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
It varies by age and sex. As a rough guide, fitness range is around 14 to 17% for men and 21 to 24% for women.
Is this medical advice?
No. It is a general estimate for information only.