What is the Navy Method (U.S. Navy Circumference Method)?
The Navy Method is a body fat percentage calculation method developed by the U.S. Navy to assess the physical fitness of military personnel. The method is based on measuring the circumferences of key body parts: neck, waist, and hips (for women). The formula accounts for the relationship between fat distribution and body circumferences. The method's accuracy is ±3-4%, which is comparable to more expensive methods when proper measurement technique is used.
How to Use the Navy Method?
For men: measure neck circumference (at the narrowest point below the Adam's apple), waist (at navel level, without pulling in the stomach), and height. For women: additionally measure hip circumference (at the widest part of the buttocks). Use a flexible measuring tape, keep it horizontal, don't pull too tight. Take all measurements in the morning on an empty stomach in a relaxed state. Enter the data into the calculator, which will automatically calculate body fat percentage using U.S. Navy formulas.
Navy Method Advantages and Features
- No special equipment required - only a measuring tape is needed
- Quick measurement (2-3 minutes) at home without outside assistance
- Scientifically validated formula tested on thousands of military personnel
- Good accuracy of ±3-4% when following measurement technique and tracking progress
Frequently Asked Questions About Navy Method
How accurate is the Navy Method compared to DEXA?
The Navy Method has a margin of error of ±3-4% compared to DEXA scanning (gold standard with ±1-2% accuracy). This is acceptable accuracy for home use and tracking progress. The method may give overestimated values for people with very developed neck musculature (wrestlers, rugby players) or underestimated for people with non-standard fat distribution. The key is to measure regularly under the same conditions to track progress.
How to correctly measure circumferences for maximum accuracy?
Neck: measure at the narrowest point below the Adam's apple, tape should be horizontal, don't pull tight. Waist (men): strictly at navel level, standing relaxed, after exhaling, don't pull in stomach. Hips (women): at the widest part of the buttocks, tape parallel to the floor. Take 2-3 measurements of each circumference and take the average. Always measure at the same time of day (preferably morning on empty stomach) for comparable results.
Is the Navy Method suitable for athletes and bodybuilders?
The Navy Method may be less accurate for people with extreme body composition. For bodybuilders with very developed neck musculature, the method may underestimate body fat percentage by 2-4%. For people with non-standard fat distribution (for example, large belly with thin limbs), errors are possible. For endurance athletes (runners, cyclists, triathletes) with typical body composition, the method works well. For maximum accuracy, athletes are recommended to use the Skinfold Method or DEXA.