An estimate for adults, not medical advice. Nothing you type leaves your device.
The method
This is the circumference method developed for the US Navy by Hodgdon and Beckett. It uses your height and your neck and waist, plus your hips for women. The US military still uses it for its fitness checks.
Measure on bare skin, with the tape snug but not pressing in, after breathing out normally. Take each measurement twice and use the average.
What the ranges mean
| Women | Men | |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 10–13% | 2–5% |
| Athletes | 14–20% | 6–13% |
| Fitness | 21–24% | 14–17% |
| Average | 25–31% | 18–24% |
| Obesity | 32% and over | 25% and over |
A tape gives an estimate, usually within a few percent. Scans such as DEXA are more exact. The trend over months tells you more than one reading.
Sources
- 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 84-11 and 84-29, 1984.
- American Council on Exercise. Body fat percentage norms (essential, athletes, fitness, average, obese).