Measurements
Measure just below the larynx (Adam's apple)
Men: at navel. Women: at narrowest point.
lbs
Body Fat Percentage Categories
Men
- Essential fat: 2–5%
- Athletes: 6–13%
- Fitness: 14–17%
- Average: 18–24%
- Obese: 25%+
Women
- Essential fat: 10–13%
- Athletes: 14–20%
- Fitness: 21–24%
- Average: 25–31%
- Obese: 32%+
How the Navy Method Works
The U.S. Navy circumference method uses neck, waist (and hip for women) measurements plus height to estimate body fat. It's less accurate than DEXA scan or hydrostatic weighing, but is a validated, accessible estimation method used by the U.S. military.
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