Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Calculation (U.S. Navy Method)
Male BFP % = 86.010 * log10(Waist - Neck) - 70.041 * log10(Height) + 36.76
Female BFP % = 163.205 * log10(Waist + Hip - Neck) - 97.684 * log10(Height) - 78.387
(Measurements must be in cm for these specific formulas)
Understanding Body Fat Percentage
Body Fat Percentage (BFP) represents the proportion of your total body weight that is composed of fat tissue. It is considered a more accurate indicator of health and fitness than Body Mass Index (BMI) alone, as BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass. Knowing your BFP can help assess health risks associated with too much or too little body fat and track progress in fitness programs.
Various methods exist to estimate BFP, ranging from simple calculations based on body measurements to sophisticated techniques like hydrostatic weighing, DEXA scans, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The U.S. Navy method, used in this calculator, is a common anthropometric method that uses circumference measurements (height, neck, waist, and hips for females) to estimate BFP. While not as precise as clinical methods, it provides a convenient and accessible estimate.
Maintaining a healthy body fat percentage is important for overall well-being. Excess body fat is linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions, while extremely low body fat can also pose health risks. Healthy ranges vary based on age and gender. This calculator provides an estimate based on the Navy formula, which can be a useful starting point for assessing body composition.