Estimate your body fat percentage using the US Navy circumference method — more accurate than BMI because it accounts for body shape, not just weight.
Measure waist at navel level. Neck just below larynx. Keep tape level and snug (not tight).
US Navy method formula applied.
BMI divides your weight by height squared — it has no idea whether that weight is muscle or fat. A muscular athlete and someone with low muscle but high fat can have identical BMIs. Body fat percentage cuts through that noise: it measures the actual ratio of fat to lean mass, which is what actually matters for health risk.
The US Navy circumference method used here estimates body fat from measurements of height, waist, neck, and (for women) hip. It's not as precise as a DEXA scan, but it correlates well with clinical measurements and requires only a tape measure. Expect ±3-4% accuracy compared to DEXA.
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | <6% | <14% |
| Athlete | 6–13% | 14–20% |
| Fitness | 14–17% | 21–24% |
| Average | 18–24% | 25–31% |
| Obese | 25%+ | 32%+ |