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Body Fat Calculator (US Navy Method)

Estimate body fat percentage with the US Navy circumference method — neck, waist, hip and height. No scale required.

Body Fat (Navy)

US Navy circumference method

Body fat17.007719 %
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About this tool

Estimate body fat percentage from tape-measurements of neck, waist (and hip for women) plus height. Quick and equipment-light, with reasonable accuracy.

Formula

Men:  %BF = 86.010·log₁₀(waist − neck) − 70.041·log₁₀(height) + 36.76.   Women: %BF = 163.205·log₁₀(waist + hip − neck) − 97.684·log₁₀(height) − 78.387.   (All measurements in inches.)

Worked example

Male, 175 cm, 85 cm waist, 38 cm neck → ~17.4% body fat.

Notes

Accuracy is ±3% compared to DEXA scans. Measure waist at the navel, neck below the larynx, hip at widest point. Stand relaxed without sucking in.