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ARVENRA
Body composition & weight

Body Fat Calculator

Body fat estimated from body circumferences, using the US Navy method.

This method uses the relationship between neck, waist, hip and height to estimate body fat. All you need is a tape measure.

Its accuracy against laboratory methods is roughly three to four percentage points. It is good for tracking a trend, not for a definitive number.

Your details

The formulas use different coefficients for each sex.

Typical range: 100 – 250

Just below the larynx, tape parallel to the floor.

Typical range: 20 – 70

At the narrowest point for women, at navel level for men.

Typical range: 40 – 200

At the widest point of the hips.

Typical range: 50 – 200

Typical range: 25 – 400

The values you enter are calculated in your browser only — nothing is stored or transmitted.

Fill in your details and press calculate — your result will appear here.

Formula and method

The logarithmic regression equations of Hodgdon and Beckett, as used by the US Department of Defense. Women also need a hip measurement.

Formula used

US Navy circumference method (Hodgdon & Beckett 1984)

Assumptions and limits

  • Tape accuracy directly affects the result. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and do not pull it tight.
  • If the waist is at or below the neck measurement the calculation is impossible and the tool reports an error.

Scientific sources

  1. Hodgdon JA, Beckett MB. Prediction of percent body fat for U.S. Navy men and women from body circumferences and height. Naval Health Research Center, Reports No. 84-11 and 84-29, San Diego, 1984.

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