Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage with two published methods. The US Navy (Hodgdon-Beckett) method uses tape measurements of your neck, waist — and for women, hips — together with height, and is the standard circumference-based approach. If you don't have a tape measure, the BMI-based Deurenberg equation gives a rough figure from height, weight, age and sex. Both are estimates and can differ by several points from a DEXA scan; this tool is for information only and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take the measurements correctly?
Measure the neck just below the larynx, the waist at navel level (for women, at the narrowest point) and the hips at their widest point. Keep the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin, and measure without clothing where possible.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
According to the ACE classification, for men: 2–5% essential fat, 6–13% athletes, 14–17% fitness, 18–24% average and 25%+ high. For women each band sits roughly 8 points higher: 10–13% essential, 14–20% athletes, 21–24% fitness, 25–31% average, 32%+ high.
How accurate are these methods?
The US Navy method typically lands within about 3–4 percentage points of laboratory methods such as DEXA when measurements are taken carefully. The BMI-based estimate is rougher, since it cannot distinguish muscle from fat.