Estimate your body fat percentage with the US Navy circumference method — just a tape measure, no calipers or scans. Separate formulas for men and women, with a visual category indicator.
Estimated body fat
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EssentialAthleticFitAverageObese
US Navy method (circumference formula). Measure waist at the navel, relaxed — not sucked in. Neck just below the Adam's apple. Women measure hips at the widest point. Typical accuracy is within 3–4% of a DEXA scan. General information, not medical advice.
What is the Navy body fat method?
The US Navy body fat method estimates body fat percentage from simple tape measurements — waist and neck for men, plus hips for women — combined with height. It was developed for the US military as a practical field test, and it remains one of the most popular no-equipment ways to estimate body fat.
Stand relaxed and breathe normally. Wrap the tape snugly but not tight — it should lie flat on the skin without pressing in. Take each measurement twice and use the average. Measure at the same time of day each time you check, and focus on the trend over weeks rather than a single number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Navy body fat method?
The US Navy body fat method estimates body fat percentage from simple tape measurements — waist and neck for men, plus hips for women — and height. It was developed for the US military and is a practical, no-equipment alternative to calipers or scans.
How accurate is the Navy body fat calculator?
It is typically within 3–4% of DEXA scan results for most people. Measure carefully — a relaxed tape at the right spots — and use the same method each time to track your trend.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
For men, fitness is roughly 14–17% and obesity starts around 25%. For women, fitness is roughly 21–24% and obesity starts around 32%. Athletes are lower, and essential fat is about 2–5% for men and 10–13% for women.