Body Fat Calculator - Navy, BMI & Visual Methods
Measure body fat % at home using Navy Method (±3% accuracy), BMI, or calipers. Instant results: lean mass, fat mass & health category 📊 FREE tool!
Select Calculation Method
Choose the method that best suits your available equipment and accuracy needs.
US Navy Method
Most accurate circumference-based method using neck and waist measurements
BMI-based Method
Quick estimate based on height and weight (less accurate for athletes)
Skinfold Calipers (3-point)
Professional method using calipers to measure subcutaneous fat
Visual Assessment
Visual comparison with reference images for quick estimation
What is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage is the ratio of fat tissue mass to total body mass, expressed as a percentage. This is one of the key body composition indicators, much more informative than just weight. Fat tissue includes subcutaneous fat (visible) and visceral fat (around organs). Optimal fat percentage depends on gender, age, and athletic goals.
How to Measure Body Fat Percentage?
Choose one of four measurement methods depending on available equipment and required accuracy: Navy Method (body circumference measurements), BMI Method (calculation by height and weight), Skinfold Method (caliper measurement of skin fold thickness), or Visual Method (visual comparison with reference photos). Each method has its advantages and margin of error.
Body Fat Percentage Measurement Methods
• Navy Method - measurement of neck, waist, hips circumferences. Accuracy ±3-4%, no equipment required • BMI Method - calculation by height and weight. Fast, but less accurate for athletes • Skinfold Method - skin fold measurement with caliper. Accuracy ±2-3% with proper technique • Visual Method - comparison with reference photos. Subjective, for quick assessment For maximum accuracy, DEXA scanning or bioimpedance analysis in laboratory conditions is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Fat Percentage
What body fat percentage is considered normal and healthy?
For men, healthy range: 10-20% (athletes 6-13%, fitness 14-17%, average 18-24%, above average 25%+). For women: 18-28% (athletes 14-20%, fitness 21-24%, average 25-31%, above average 32%+). Endurance athletes typically have 8-15% (men) and 15-20% (women). Too low body fat (<5% for men, <15% for women) can be dangerous to health.
Which measurement method is most accurate?
Gold standard - DEXA scanning (accuracy ±1-2%). For home conditions: Navy Method and Skinfold Method give acceptable accuracy ±2-4% with proper measurement technique. BMI is less accurate for athletes with developed musculature. Visual Method is only suitable for approximate assessment. For tracking dynamics, consistency of method is more important than absolute accuracy.
How often should body fat percentage be measured?
It is recommended to conduct measurements once every 2-4 weeks under the same conditions: same time of day (morning on empty stomach), after toilet, before training. More frequent measurements make no sense due to natural water balance fluctuations. For accurate dynamic tracking, average 2-3 measurements within a week.