What is Body Fat Percentage?
Your body is composed of two main components: Fat Mass and Lean Body Mass (which includes bones, muscles, organs, and water). The body fat percentage is simply the total weight of your fat divided by your total body weight. Unlike the BMI Calculator, which only takes weight and height into account, a body fat calculator gives you a much more realistic picture of your fitness and overall health.
How the U.S. Navy Method Works
There are many ways to measure body fat, including DEXA scans (expensive), skinfold calipers (requires a professional), and smart scales (often inaccurate). Our calculator uses the widely trusted U.S. Navy Tape Measure Method. By taking circumferences of body parts that store fat (like the waist and hips) and parts that don't (like the neck), we can accurately estimate your composition using advanced logarithmic equations.
How to Take Accurate Measurements?
- Neck: Measure just below the larynx (Adam's apple). Keep the tape flat but not too tight.
- Waist (Men): Measure horizontally around the navel (belly button).
- Waist (Women): Measure at the narrowest point of your abdomen.
- Hips (Women only): Measure at the widest circumference of your hips/buttocks.
Managing Your Body Fat
If your body fat falls into the "Obese" or "Acceptable" category and you wish to reach the "Fitness" level, you will need to adjust your diet to create a caloric deficit. We highly recommend using our Calorie Calculator (TDEE) to find out exactly how many calories you need to consume to start losing body fat safely without losing muscle.