What is the US Navy method?

The US Navy method estimates body fat percentage from simple circumference measurements (neck, waist, and hip for women) combined with height. It was developed by the US Navy for fitness assessments and is reasonably accurate for most people.

How accurate is this method?

The US Navy method has a margin of error of about 3-4%. It is less accurate than DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing but much more accessible and still useful for tracking trends over time.

Why do women need hip measurements?

Women typically carry more fat in the hip and thigh area. The hip circumference helps account for this difference in fat distribution, making the estimate more accurate for women.

What body fat percentage is healthy?

For men, 14-24% is considered average and healthy. For women, 21-31% is average. Athletes typically have lower percentages: 6-13% for men and 14-20% for women. Essential fat levels (below 5% for men, below 13% for women) are not sustainable long-term.

How should I measure my circumferences?

Use a flexible tape measure. Measure your neck at the narrowest point below the Adam's apple. Measure your waist at the navel level. Measure hips at the widest point. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and measure on bare skin.

HEAHealth & Fitness

Body Fat Calculator

Calculate your body fat percentage using the US Navy method. Enter your measurements to estimate body fat and see how you compare to fitness categories.

Units

Pick the measurements you want to use.

Gender

Height

Neck Circumference

Waist Circumference

Hip Circumference(optional)

Try an example

Enter values above to see results

How It Works

Formula

\text{BF}_{\text{male}} = 86.010 \times \log_{10}(w - n) - 70.041 \times \log_{10}(h) + 36.76

\text{BF}_{\text{female}} = 163.205 \times \log_{10}(w + H - n) - 97.684 \times \log_{10}(h) - 78.387

Where

$\text{BF}$: Body fat percentage(%)
$w$: Waist circumference(in)
$n$: Neck circumference(in)
$H$: Hip circumference (women only)(in)
$h$: Height(in)

The US Navy method uses logarithmic formulas applied to circumference measurements and height, all in inches. Metric entries are converted to inches before the formula is applied. For men, it uses neck and waist; for women, it adds hip circumference. The result is compared against standard body fat categories to classify your fitness level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

BMI Calculator

Calculate your BMI from weight and height.

Calorie Calculator

Daily calorie target for cut, maintain, or bulk goals.

Water Intake

Estimate a daily water baseline

Heart Rate Zones

Find your 5 heart rate training zones

How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Ready to Calculate?