Why is hip measurement optional?
The selected formula uses hip circumference for female mode only.
Health
Body Fat Calculator
Measure your neck, waist, and hip circumference to get a quick body fat estimate without special equipment.
Live calculator output
Enter body measurements to estimate body fat percentage.
How it works
This calculator uses the US Navy body fat estimation method. For men: %BF = 86.010 × log₁₀(waist − neck) − 70.041 × log₁₀(height) + 36.76. For women: %BF = 163.205 × log₁₀(waist + hip − neck) − 97.684 × log₁₀(height) − 78.387.
While not as precise as DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing, this method provides a reasonable estimate using only a tape measure. It is most useful for tracking changes over time rather than as an absolute measurement.
Practical example
A male with a 39 cm neck, 86 cm waist, and 178 cm height: %BF ≈ 18.3%.
For a female with a 33 cm neck, 72 cm waist, 98 cm hip, and 165 cm height, the estimate would be roughly 25.5%. Both figures fall within the healthy range for each sex.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this estimate?
This is an estimate and may differ from lab-grade methods.
How should I take measurements for consistency?
Measure at the same body points, under similar conditions, and preferably at the same time of day.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
For men, 10-20% is considered healthy. For women, 18-28% is typical. Athletes may be lower. Essential fat levels (below 5% for men, 12% for women) are not sustainable long-term.
How does this compare to a DEXA scan?
The Navy method can be off by 3-4 percentage points compared to DEXA. It is best used for tracking changes over time rather than as an absolute measurement.
Related calculators
Calorie Needs Calculator
Estimate daily calorie target for maintenance, cut, or bulk.
BMI Calculator
Estimate body mass index from weight and height inputs.
Age Calculator
Measure age between two dates with a clean, readable breakdown.