How accurate is the Navy body fat method?

The US Navy method is considered accurate to within 3-4% when measurements are taken correctly. It's one of the most practical methods for home use.

What is a healthy body fat percentage?

For men, 14-17% is considered 'fitness' level. For women, 21-24% is 'fitness' level. Athletes typically have lower percentages.

Relative Fat Mass (RFM) is a 2018 formula that uses only height and waist circumference to estimate body fat. It's often more accurate than BMI.

Health & Fitness

Body Fat Calculator

Calculate your body fat percentage using multiple methods including the US Navy formula, RFM, and BMI estimation. See your body composition and category.

Measurements

Gender

Height175 cm

Weight75 kg

Waist Circumference85 cm

Measure at navel level

Neck Circumference38 cm

Your Body Fat (US Navy Method)

16.9%

Fitness

Method Comparison

US Navy Method

Most accurate with proper measurements

16.9%

RFM Method

Relative Fat Mass (2018)

22.8%

BMI Estimate

Less accurate, for reference only

20.1%

Body Composition

Fat Mass12.7 kg

Lean Mass62.3 kg

Category Scale

Essential Fat2-5%

Athlete6-13%

Fitness14-17%

Average18-24%

Obese25-100%

Ideal fitness range: 14-17%

How is Body Fat Measured?

Body fat can be measured several ways. The most accessible methods use circumference measurements which are surprisingly accurate when done correctly.

US Navy Method

The US Navy method uses height, waist, neck, and hip (for women) measurements. It was developed for military fitness assessments and is accurate to within 3-4%.

RFM Method

Relative Fat Mass (RFM) is a newer formula from 2018 that uses only height and waist circumference. Studies show it correlates better with DXA scans than BMI.

Measurement Tips

1Measure in the morning before eating for consistency
2Use a flexible measuring tape, not a rigid ruler
3Don't suck in your stomach when measuring waist
4Take measurements at the same spots each time
5Track trends over time rather than focusing on single readings

Related Calculators

BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index

BMR Calculator

Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate - the number of calories your body burns at complete rest. Compare results from Mifflin-St Jeor, Harris-Benedict, and Katch-McArdle formulas.