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Body Fat Calculator

Estimate body fat percentage, fat mass, and lean mass using circumference measurements and the U.S. Navy method.

Sex

Height

Estimated Body Fat
9.1%
category: Athlete
Fat mass
16.5 lb
Lean mass
163.6 lb
This estimate uses the U.S. Navy circumference method. It is useful for tracking trends, but hydration, measurement technique, and body shape can still affect the result.
Last updated: March 2026Reviewed by CalculWise editorial team
Methodology: Body fat is estimated from circumference measurements using the U.S. Navy method. Fat mass and lean mass are derived from the resulting percentage and body weight.
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Why body fat can be more useful than scale weight alone

Scale weight tells you how heavy you are, but not what that weight is made of. Body fat percentage offers a clearer body-composition view, especially if you lift weights, gain muscle, or retain water easily.

What this estimate is best for

  • Tracking changes over time with a consistent measurement method.
  • Comparing fat-mass and lean-mass trends during a cut or bulk.
  • Adding context to BMI, waist measurement, and calorie planning.

How to get better readings

Measure at the same time of day, use a soft tape measure, keep the tape level, and avoid pulling too tight. Consistency matters more than chasing a perfectly exact single reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is body fat percentage more useful than BMI?

Often yes. BMI is a quick screen based on height and weight, while body fat percentage aims to separate fat mass from lean mass. The two can tell different stories for athletic or muscular people.

How accurate is the Navy body fat method?

It is an estimate, not a lab measurement. It is generally good for trend tracking, but measurement technique and body shape still affect the final number.

Why do women need a hip measurement?

The standard Navy formula for women uses waist, hip, neck, and height together, while the men’s version uses waist, neck, and height.

Should I track body fat instead of scale weight?

Body fat can be more informative than scale weight alone, especially during recomposition phases where fat falls and lean mass rises at the same time.