Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy tape-measure method.
cm waist
cm neck
cm hip
How this is measured
The U.S. Navy method estimates body fat from a few tape measurements instead of specialized equipment. Measure waist at the navel, neck just below the larynx, and (for women) hips at the widest point — all in centimeters, standing relaxed.
Body fat categories (ACE)
- Essential fat: ~10–13% (women), 2–5% (men) — the minimum needed for basic health.
- Athletic: 14–20% (women), 6–13% (men)
- Fitness: 21–24% (women), 14–17% (men)
- Average: 25–31% (women), 18–24% (men)
- Above average: 32%+ (women), 25%+ (men)
⚠ How accurate is this?
Tape-measure methods are a reasonable estimate for tracking trends over time, but are less precise than methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing — typically within a few percentage points. Measure consistently (same tape tension, same time of day) for the most useful comparisons.