Body Fat Percentage Categories
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) defines the following categories for adults:
| Category | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 10–13% | 2–5% |
| Athletes | 14–20% | 6–13% |
| Fitness | 21–24% | 14–17% |
| Average | 25–31% | 18–24% |
| Obese | 32%+ | 25%+ |
How the U.S. Navy Method Works
The Navy circumference method estimates body fat by comparing your neck and waist (and hip for women) to your height. Larger waist relative to neck and height = higher body fat percentage. It doesn't require calipers or a DEXA scan — just a tape measure.
Formulas used
Men: BF% = 86.010 × log₁₀(waist − neck) − 70.041 × log₁₀(height) + 36.76
Women: BF% = 163.205 × log₁₀(waist + hip − neck) − 97.684 × log₁₀(height) − 78.387
All measurements in centimeters. For men, waist is measured at the navel; for women, at the narrowest point. Neck is measured just below the larynx (Adam's apple) for men, and at the same level for women.
How accurate is it?
Studies show the Navy method is accurate to within ±3–4 percentage points compared to DEXA scans for most people. It may overestimate body fat in very muscular people with large neck circumferences, and underestimate in people who carry fat in unusual distributions.
Frequently asked questions
How is body fat percentage calculated?
This calculator uses the U.S. Navy circumference method. For men it uses waist, neck, and height; for women it adds the hip measurement. The formula uses the log₁₀ ratio of circumferences to height — a larger waist-to-neck ratio at a given height indicates higher body fat.
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a fitness range for women is 21–24% and for men 14–17%. An athletic range is 14–20% for women and 6–13% for men. Essential fat — the minimum needed for survival — is 10–13% for women and 2–5% for men.
How accurate is the Navy body fat method?
The U.S. Navy method is a reasonable estimate with an accuracy of roughly ±3–4% compared to DEXA scans. It is more accurate than BMI-based estimates because it accounts for body shape, but it can overestimate body fat in very muscular individuals with a large neck circumference.