Measuring with a tape
The US Navy method estimates body fat from height and a few circumferences. Measure on bare skin, tape snug but not tight, and take each one twice.
| 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%+ |
Common questions
Why does it ask for neck and waist, not just weight?
The US Navy method estimates fat percentage from circumference measurements, not weight — it was designed as a no-equipment fitness-test alternative, so it only needs a tape measure.
How accurate is it compared to calipers or a DEXA scan?
It's typically within 3–4 percentage points of DEXA for most people, similar to good caliper technique — accurate enough to track trend, not precise enough to treat single readings as exact.
For general information only — not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about anything that concerns you.