Body Fat Calculator — Estimate Your Body Fat Percentage

Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy method. All you need is a tape measure — no scale required.

Measure at navel level

Measure below the Adam's apple

Measure at the widest point

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Why body fat percentage matters more than BMI

BMI calculates a ratio between your weight and height. That is all it does. It cannot tell whether your weight comes from muscle, fat, bone, or water. Two people with identical BMIs can look completely different and have very different health profiles.

Body fat percentage tells you directly how much of your mass is fat tissue. This is far more useful for understanding your health and tracking progress. A muscular person who lifts weights may have a "high" BMI while carrying very little body fat.

Visceral fat — the fat stored around your internal organs — is the type that drives real health risks like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Waist circumference, which is part of this calculation, captures visceral fat in a way that BMI simply cannot.

During weight loss, body fat percentage is the measurement that tells you whether you are losing fat or muscle. The scale can drop while you are losing muscle — which is not the goal. Tracking body fat percentage keeps you honest about what is actually changing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Body Fat

Disclaimer: This page contains general health and wellness information and does not replace the advice of a doctor, dietitian, or other healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are on medication, or are pregnant.

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