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Estimate body fat percentage from standard body measurements and sex-specific formulas.
Use this body fat percentage calculator to estimate body composition from tape measurements. It gives a more body-composition-focused signal than BMI when you want to track changes over time. The calculator is designed to give a fast answer, but the quality of the answer still depends on accurate inputs and a clear idea of what decision you are trying to support.
- Enter Gender, Height, and Neck Circumference using the same units you plan to compare or report.
- Add Waist Circumference and Hip Circumference and review the inputs before calculating.
- Read the main estimated body fat percentage first, then use the supporting outputs to understand the trade-offs behind that result.
- Compare your numbers with the worked examples below if you want a quick reasonableness check.
The result estimates body fat percentage from body measurements and places it inside a general fitness category so the number is easier to interpret. On this page, the primary output is estimated body fat percentage.
Scenario 1: Male, 180 cm height, 39 cm neck, 86 cm waist. Inputs used: gender: male, height: 180, neck: 39, waist: 86, hip: 0. Example result: 16.1%. For this male measurement profile, the calculator estimates 16.1% body fat. Scenario 2: Female, 165 cm height, 34 cm neck, 74 cm waist, 97 cm hip. Inputs used: gender: female, height: 165, neck: 34, waist: 74, hip: 97. Example result: 26.9%. This female measurement profile produces an estimated 26.9% body fat result.
Core formula: U.S. Navy method based on logarithmic body measurements. Body fat is estimated from neck, waist, height, and optionally hip measurements. The formulas differ for men and women.
- This is an estimate, not a medical diagnosis.
- Consistent measurements matter more than one-off precision.
Use this calculator when you want a more body-composition-oriented metric than BMI and you can take body measurements consistently. Related paths for follow-up analysis include body fat calculator, bmi calculator, tdee calculator, and calorie calculator.
Most bad outputs come from a few repeated input errors or interpretation mistakes. Use this short checklist before relying on the result.
- Using inconsistent tape placement from one measurement session to the next.
- Entering hip measurements for male calculations or skipping them for female calculations when needed.
- Reading the estimate as a lab-grade measurement instead of a directional tool.
