Body Fat Percentage Calculator — Navy Method
Body Fat % Estimator
US Navy circumference method — accurate within ±3–4% of DEXA. Just a tape measure.
Your Measurements
Below larynx, perpendicular to neck
At navel level
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy body fat percentage for Indian men and women?
For Indian men, healthy body fat is 14–24%. Athletic men are 6–13%. For Indian women, healthy is 21–31%, athletic is 14–20%. South Asians may carry more visceral fat at equivalent body fat levels — use this alongside your waist-to-height ratio.
How accurate is the Navy method body fat calculator?
The US Navy circumference method (Hodgdon & Beckett 1984) has been validated within ±3–4% of DEXA scanning, the clinical gold standard. A 2022 study in Military Medicine confirmed this against DEXA in a large military population.
What is the difference between body fat % and BMI?
BMI tells you your weight relative to height — it cannot distinguish muscle from fat. Body fat percentage tells you exactly how much of your weight is fat versus lean mass. Two people can have the same BMI but very different body compositions and health risks.
How do I measure body fat at home without equipment?
Use a soft measuring tape. Measure neck just below the larynx, waist at navel level (men) or narrowest point (women), and hips at the widest point (women). Enter these measurements in the calculator above for your Navy Method estimate.