Body Fat Percentage Calculator
Estimate body fat percentage from tape measurements using the U.S. Navy method.
An estimate from tape measurements, not a clinical body composition scan — accuracy depends on measuring carefully at the same spot each time. Not medical advice.
Body fat percentage
16.4%
Category
Fitness
Where you fall on the scale
For informational and educational purposes only — not medical advice, and not a substitute for consulting a qualified professional about your specific situation. TrueMeasureKit is not liable for decisions made based on these results. See our Terms of Service.
How the U.S. Navy method works
Developed by Hodgdon and Beckett in 1984, this method estimates body density from a handful of tape measurements, then converts that density to a body fat percentage. It's less precise than a DEXA scan or hydrostatic weighing, but far more accessible — a tape measure is all you need — and it's accurate enough to track meaningful trends over time. For best results, measure at the same time of day, and keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the U.S. Navy tape-measurement method?
It's a reasonably accurate field estimate for most people — typically within a few percentage points of more precise methods like DEXA scans — but it can be less reliable at very low or very high body-fat percentages.
Where exactly should I measure?
The Navy method measures neck circumference (below the larynx), waist (at the navel for men, narrowest point for women), and for women, hip circumference at the widest point — consistent measurement technique matters more than the exact spot for tracking change over time.