Body Fat Calculator

Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy Method or BMI Method.

Introduction

Welcome to the Body Fat Calculator! This tool estimates your body fat percentage using either the U.S. Navy Method (based on circumference measurements) or the BMI Method (based on height, weight, and age). Understanding your body fat percentage can help you assess your fitness level and set health goals.

Calculation Method:

Unit System:

Gender:

Age (years):

Height (cm):

Waist Circumference (cm):

Neck Circumference (cm):

How to Use

Select your calculation method: U.S. Navy Method or BMI Method.
Choose your unit system: Metric (kg, cm) or Imperial (lbs, inches).
Enter your gender, age, and the required measurements (height, waist, neck, and hips for women if using the U.S. Navy Method; height and weight for the BMI Method).
Click "Calculate" to see your estimated body fat percentage, category, fat mass, lean mass, and interpretation.
Click "Save Calculation" to store your results locally.
Use "Reset" to clear all inputs and start over.

Measurement Tips for U.S. Navy Method: Measure your waist at the navel (men) or smallest width (women), neck just below the larynx, and hips at the widest point (women). Use a flexible tape measure and keep it snug but not tight.

Understanding Body Fat

What is Body Fat?

Body fat, also known as adipose tissue, is a crucial component of the body that stores energy in the form of lipids, provides insulation, cushions organs, and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. It consists of two types: essential fat, necessary for basic bodily functions and reproduction, and storage fat, which accumulates under the skin (subcutaneous) or around organs (visceral). Essential fat levels are typically 2-5% for men and 10-13% for women, due to differences in reproductive needs.

Healthy Body Fat Ranges

Body fat percentages vary by gender and fitness level. General classifications include:
Men: Essential Fat: 2-5%, Athletes: 6-13%, Fitness: 14-17%, Average: 18-24%, Obese: 25%+
Women: Essential Fat: 10-13%, Athletes: 14-20%, Fitness: 21-24%, Average: 25-31%, Obese: 32%+
Ideal body fat percentages also increase with age. For example, a 20-year-old man might aim for 8.5%, while a 50-year-old man might target 18.9%. For women, ideal percentages range from 17.7% at age 20 to 26.3% at age 55.

Body Fat, Overweight, and Obesity

Excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, can lead to health issues like obesity, which is a major global health concern. Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and sleep apnea, contributing to reduced life expectancy. In the U.S., it’s estimated that obesity-related complications lead to over 100,000 deaths annually.