Body fat calculator

More informative than BMI alone: estimate body composition from neck, waist (and hip) circumferences using the US Navy Hodgdon-Beckett equations.

How to Body fat calculator

1. Step 1. Measure neck circumference below the larynx.
2. Step 2. Measure waist at the navel (and hips at the widest point for women).
3. Step 3. Enter height and weight with your preferred units.
4. Step 4. Review body fat percentage, category, fat mass, and lean mass.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is the Navy method?

Within about 3–4% of DXA scans for most people — far more accurate than BMI for athletic builds, and it requires only a tape measure.

What is a healthy body fat percentage?

For men, 10–20% is generally healthy; for women, 18–28%. Athletes run lower; essential fat floors are ~6% (male) and ~14% (female).

Why do women need a hip measurement?

The female formula accounts for the hip-gluteal fat depot that the male formula does not include.