Body fat percentage is one of the most meaningful metrics for your health. Unlike BMI, it distinguishes between fat and muscle mass.
In this article, you'll learn how the U.S. Navy method works, what the guidelines are for men and women, and why body fat percentage is superior to BMI.
The U.S. Navy Method
The U.S. Navy method was developed in the 1980s to quickly determine the body fat percentage of military personnel without expensive equipment. You only need a measuring tape and three to four measurements:
Height in cm or inches.
Neck circumference at the narrowest point.
Waist circumference at navel height.
Hip circumference (women only) at the widest point.
Body Fat Categories
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 2 – 5% | 10 – 13% |
| Athletes | 6 – 13% | 14 – 20% |
| Fitness | 14 – 17% | 21 – 24% |
| Average | 18 – 24% | 25 – 31% |
| Overweight | > 25% | > 32% |
Calculate your body fat percentage now
U.S. Navy method — free and no sign-up required.
Calculate for free now →Body Fat vs. BMI
BMI cannot differentiate between fat and muscle. A muscular athlete is often classified as "overweight" even though their body fat percentage is very low. Body fat percentage solves this problem.
Complement your result with your ideal weight for a comprehensive picture of your body composition.
Conclusion
Body fat percentage is more meaningful than BMI. Use our Body Fat Calculator and complement the result with your BMI and ideal weight.
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