Body fat estimate (US Navy method)
The US Navy method estimates the share of body fat from a few tape measurements. It is an estimate, not a medical measurement.
General information, not medical advice. This result does not replace a doctor. If in doubt or if you have symptoms, see a health professional.
Result
20.1%Estimated body fat
- Low end (− 3.5 points)
- 16.6%
- High end (+ 3.5 points)
- 23.6%
- Fat mass (kg)
- 16.1
- Fat-free mass (kg)
- 63.9
Inputs
- Sex (for the formula)
- Man
- Height
- 178
- Neck
- 38
- Waist
- 90
- Weight (optional)
- 80
How it is calculated
Man: 495 ÷ (1.0324 − 0.19077 × log(waist − neck) + 0.15456 × log(height)) − 450.
Result
Estimated body fat
- Low end (− 3.5 points)
- 16.6%
- High end (+ 3.5 points)
- 23.6%
- Fat mass (kg)
- 16.1
How it is calculated
- Man: 495 ÷ (1.0324 − 0.19077 × log(waist − neck) + 0.15456 × log(height)) − 450.
- Woman: 495 ÷ (1.29579 − 0.35004 × log(waist + hips − neck) + 0.22100 × log(height)) − 450.
- Measures in cm, base-10 log. Typical error is about 3 to 4 points.
Example
Man, 178 cm, neck 38 cm, waist 90 cm: about 20.1%; with 80 kg, about 16.1 kg of fat.
Good to know
- A formula estimate: a real measurement (DEXA, bioimpedance…) may give another number.
- A badly placed tape changes the result a lot. Measure twice.
- To read this number for your health, talk with a doctor.
Sources
- Hodgdon and Beckett, Naval Health Research Center, 1984
Frequently asked questions
What is this tool used for?
The US Navy method estimates the share of body fat from a few tape measurements. It is an estimate, not a medical measurement.
How is the result calculated?
Man: 495 ÷ (1.0324 − 0.19077 × log(waist − neck) + 0.15456 × log(height)) − 450.
What should I check before using the result?
A formula estimate: a real measurement (DEXA, bioimpedance…) may give another number.