Body Fat Calculator
Estimate body fat percentage using various methods like Navy, Jackson-Pollock, and BIA. More accurate than BMI for assessing body composition and fitness levels.
About Body Fat Calculator
The History of Body Composition Analysis
Body composition analysis has come a long way since the early 1900s when rudimentary displacement methods were first used. The U.S. Navy method, developed in the 1980s by Hodgdon and Beckett, revolutionized field testing by providing a reliable, non-invasive approach using circumference measurements.
Scientific Measurement Methods
U.S. Navy Method Equations:
Men: BF% = 495/(1.0324 - 0.19077×log₁₀(waist-neck) + 0.15456×log₁₀(height)) - 450
Women: BF% = 495/(1.29579 - 0.35004×log₁₀(waist+hip-neck) + 0.22100×log₁₀(height)) - 450
Body Fat Percentage Categories
Men
| Essential Fat | 2-5% |
| Athletic | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 14-17% |
| Average | 18-24% |
| Obese | 25%+ |
Women
| Essential Fat | 10-13% |
| Athletic | 14-20% |
| Fitness | 21-24% |
| Average | 25-31% |
| Obese | 32%+ |
Health and Performance Implications
Athletic Performance
- Power sports: 8-12% optimal for male athletes
- Endurance sports: 10-15% optimal range
- Gymnastics/bodybuilding: 5-8% competition levels
- Female athletes: 12-20% functional range
Health Indicators
- Cardiovascular risk increases above 25% (men) / 32% (women)
- Hormonal function affected below 6% (men) / 12% (women)
- Immune system optimal at moderate levels
Modern Assessment Technologies
Laboratory Methods
- DEXA Scanning: ±1-2% accuracy
- Hydrostatic Weighing: ±2% accuracy
- Air Displacement: ±2.5% accuracy
- MRI/CT Scanning: Precise mapping
Field Methods
- Bioelectrical Impedance: ±3-5% accuracy
- Skinfold Calipers: ±3-4% accuracy
- Circumference Methods: ±4% accuracy
You might also like
Related calculators you may find useful
BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess weight category and potential health risks. Provides classification from underweight to obese based on height and weight.
TDEE Calculator
Calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) based on activity level and BMR. Estimates total calories burned per day to support weight management goals.
Macronutrient Calculator
Determine optimal macronutrient distribution (proteins, carbohydrates, fats) based on your goals. Supports weight loss, muscle gain, and maintenance diet plans.
More Fitness calculators
Health and fitness calculations
Interested in Advertising?
Tell us more, and we'll get back to you.
Contact Us