US Navy Method - No equipment needed
Use our free body fat calculator to estimate your body fat percentage using the US Navy method. All you need is a tape measure. More accurate than BMI for tracking fitness progress.
📏 Measuring Tips: Measure at the same time each day, preferably morning. Keep tape level and snug but not tight. Take 2-3 measurements and average them for accuracy.
For men: Essential fat 2-5%, Athletes 6-13%, Fitness 14-17%, Average 18-24%, Obese 25%+. For women: Essential 10-13%, Athletes 14-20%, Fitness 21-24%, Average 25-31%, Obese 32%+.
The US Navy method is accurate within 3-4% when measurements are taken correctly. It's used by the military and is comparable to caliper measurements. For highest accuracy, use DEXA scanning.
BMI only considers height and weight, so muscular people appear "overweight." Body fat percentage distinguishes between fat and muscle, giving a much more accurate picture of health and fitness.