Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Measure your neck and waist (and hips for women) with a tape measure.
For information only. This calculator gives a general estimate from a standard formula and is not medical advice. It doesn't account for factors such as muscle mass, pregnancy, age-related changes or health conditions. Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian about your health.
How it works
- Choose units and sex.
- Measure your height, neck and waist (and hips for women) with a tape measure.
- Optionally enter your weight to see fat and lean mass.
- Read your estimated body fat percentage and category.
Frequently asked questions
How does the U.S. Navy method work?
It estimates body fat from circumference measurements using formulas developed by the U.S. Naval Health Research Center. It is typically within a few percentage points of more expensive methods for most people.
How should I take the measurements?
Measure on bare skin with a flexible tape, keeping it level and snug without compressing. Measure the neck just below the larynx, the waist at the navel (men) or narrowest point (women), and the hips at their widest.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
Ranges vary by source, but commonly cited healthy ranges are roughly 14–24% for men and 21–31% for women. Athletes are usually lower.
Why does my smart scale show something different?
Bioelectrical scales are affected by hydration and meal timing, and every method has error. Track the trend with one method rather than comparing methods.
Estimate body fat with a tape measure
The U.S. Navy circumference method needs only a tape measure and gives a reasonable estimate of body fat percentage, making it one of the most accessible ways to track body composition.
Track the trend
Measure at the same time of day and in the same way each time. Changes over weeks and months are more meaningful than a single reading.