Understanding Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body weight that is composed of fat tissue. Unlike BMI, which only considers height and weight, body fat percentage distinguishes between fat mass and lean mass (muscle, bone, organs, and water), making it a more informative measure of body composition.
The US Navy method used by this calculator estimates body fat from circumference measurements. For men, it uses waist and neck measurements. For women, it adds hip measurements. While not as precise as DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing, it is a validated, practical method that correlates well with more expensive techniques.
Essential fat is the minimum required for normal physiological function — approximately 2–5% for men and 10–13% for women. Athletes typically carry 6–13% (men) or 14–20% (women). The acceptable range extends to 24% for men and 31% for women. Above these thresholds, health risks associated with excess body fat begin to increase significantly.