How to calculate body fat percentage?

The U.S. Navy formula is fairly complicated. Fortunately you do not have to make this calculation single-handedly. You can use our body fatness calculator. The military equation is: 

• for women

        % body fat = 163.205 x log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387 

• for men

        % body fat = 86.010 x log10(abdomen - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76

Where to measure?

Ask someone for help to make the necessary measurements and stand with arms straight.

Circumference of the neck: 

• women and men - measure the neck just below the Adam's apple

Circumference of the waist: 

• women – measure your waist midway between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hip bone
• men – measure your waist at the navel

Circumference of the hip: 

• women – measure your hips at the widest point between the hips and buttocks.

How to read your results?

The average woman has between 22 and 25% body fat, while the average man 15 to 18% but this value varies considerably with age. The minimum percentage acceptable for good health is 12% for females and 5% for males, whereas the maximum tolerable percentage is 32% for women and 25% for men. Above this level the risk of heart disease is increased.

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