Body Fat Categories (Male)
Essential fat
2 – 5%Athletes
6 – 13%Fitness
14 – 17%Average
18 – 24%Obese
> 25%Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy body fat percentage?+
Men: 10–20 % healthy, women: 18–28 % healthy (American Council on Exercise). Athletes often run lower; very low values can cause hormonal disturbances.
How does this calculator estimate body fat?+
It uses the U.S. Navy circumference method (neck, waist, hip, and height). This method is accurate to within ±3–4 % of DEXA.
Which body-fat method is most accurate?+
DEXA (dual-energy X-ray) is the reference standard. Bioimpedance scales are less accurate (±5–8 %); skinfold calipers fall between, depending on the operator.
Why is body fat more telling than BMI?+
BMI does not separate muscle from fat. Two people with the same BMI can have very different metabolic risks; body-fat percentage reveals that.
How fast can body fat be reduced?+
Realistic: 0.5–1 % body-fat reduction per month with a moderate deficit. Very fast reductions raise the risk of muscle loss.
What is essential body fat?+
Essential fat (men ~3 %, women ~12 %) is required for hormone production, organ protection, and cell function. Lower values pose health risks.
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Background
Body Fat Percentage Calculator: Navy Method, Charts & Tips
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