Body fat (US Navy method)17.4%
CategoryAverage
Fat mass30.5 lb
Lean mass144.5 lb
Body fat categories (American Council on Exercise)| Category | Men | Women |
|---|
| Essential fat | 2–5% | 10–13% |
| Athletes | 6–13% | 14–20% |
| Fitness | 14–17% | 21–24% |
| Average | 18–24% | 25–31% |
| Obese | 25% + | 32% + |
Note: the US Navy tape method is an estimate, usually within a few percentage points of lab methods such as DEXA. It is not a medical diagnosis.
How the US Navy method works
The US Navy formula estimates body fat from circumference measurements and height using logarithms. It was developed for military fitness standards because it needs only a tape measure, and it is usually within a few percentage points of more expensive methods such as DEXA scans.
How to measure correctly
Measure in the morning before eating. Men measure the waist horizontally at the navel; women at the narrowest point. Measure the neck just below the larynx and, for women, the hips at the widest point. Take each measurement twice and use the average.
Healthy body fat ranges
According to the American Council on Exercise, 14–24% is typical for fit to average men and 21–31% for women. Essential fat alone is about 2–5% for men and 10–13% for women, so very low values are not a healthy target.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
Roughly 14–24% for men and 21–31% for women fall in the fitness and average ranges of the American Council on Exercise.
How accurate is the US Navy body fat calculator?
It is typically within about 3–4 percentage points of DEXA results; accuracy depends a lot on measuring correctly.
Why do women also need a hip measurement?
The female version of the formula uses waist + hip − neck because women store more fat around the hips.
How do I calculate fat mass?
Multiply your weight by the body fat percentage. Enter your weight in the optional field to see fat mass and lean mass.