MyCalculatorHow it works
The US Navy method uses body circumferences with a log-based formula. Men: uses neck and waist. Women: uses neck, waist and hip. It's widely used because it needs only a tape measure.
Example
A man with a 38 cm neck, 85 cm waist and 175 cm height gets an estimated body fat percentage in the healthy range for most adults, though exact results depend on precise measurement.
Assumptions & limitations
This method is an estimate with a typical margin of error of a few percentage points and is less accurate for some body types. Measurement technique (tape tension, exact landmark location) significantly affects accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the Navy method?
It's reasonably accurate for most people, typically within a few percentage points of more precise methods like DEXA scans, but individual accuracy varies.
Where exactly do I measure?
Neck: just below the larynx. Waist: at the navel. Hip (women): at the widest point. Consistent technique matters for accuracy.