Estimate body fat percentage from tape measurements using the US Navy method, with fat mass, lean mass and your ACE fitness category. No calipers needed.
How body fat is estimated
The US Navy method estimates body fat from height plus neck and waist girths (waist and hip for women) using a logarithmic formula. It is a convenient tape-measure estimate, typically within a few percent of lab methods like DEXA.
%BF = 495 / (c₁ − c₂·log₁₀(waist − neck) + c₃·log₁₀(height)) − 450Frequently asked questions
How do I measure correctly?
Use a flexible tape, snug but not compressing the skin. Neck: just below the larynx. Waist: at the navel for men, at the narrowest point for women. Hips (women): at the widest point. Measure relaxed, without sucking in.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
ACE guidelines put the average range around 18–24% for men and 25–31% for women, with fitness ranges below that. Essential fat is about 2–5% for men and 10–13% for women. This is general information, not medical advice.
How accurate is the Navy method?
Studies find it within roughly 3–4% of DEXA scans for most people. Consistency matters more than the absolute number — measure the same way at the same time of day to track change.
Last updated: 7 July 2026
More calculators
For information only — not medical advice. HealthMint · MintKit