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Body Fat Percentage Formulas:
Navy Method (for men):
\[ \%BF = 495 / (1.0324 - 0.19077 \times \log_{10}(waist - neck) + 0.15456 \times \log_{10}(height)) - 450 \]Navy Method (for women):
\[ \%BF = 495 / (1.29579 - 0.35004 \times \log_{10}(waist + hip - neck) + 0.22100 \times \log_{10}(height)) - 450 \]
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Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat to total body weight. Unlike BMI, it directly measures body composition. The U.S. Navy method is one of the most accessible ways to estimate body fat using simple body measurements.
The calculator uses the U.S. Navy body fat formulas:
For men:
\[ \%BF = 495 / (1.0324 - 0.19077 \times \log_{10}(waist - neck) + 0.15456 \times \log_{10}(height)) - 450 \]For women:
\[ \%BF = 495 / (1.29579 - 0.35004 \times \log_{10}(waist + hip - neck) + 0.22100 \times \log_{10}(height)) - 450 \]Where measurements are in centimeters.
Details: Knowing your body fat percentage helps assess health risks, track fitness progress, and set realistic weight loss goals more accurately than BMI alone.
Tips: For accurate results:
Q1: How accurate is the Navy method?
A: It's reasonably accurate (±3%) for most people but less accurate for very lean or obese individuals.
Q2: What are healthy body fat ranges?
A: For men: 6-24%; For women: 16-30% (varies by age and fitness level).
Q3: When should I measure?
A: Morning before eating, after using the bathroom, and before exercise for most consistent results.
Q4: Why different formulas for men and women?
A: Women naturally carry more body fat, particularly in the hips and thighs.
Q5: Can I use this for athletes?
A: It may underestimate body fat in very muscular individuals.