Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy circumference method based on height, neck, waist and hip measurements.
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This method estimates body fat percentage using circumference measurements at the neck, waist, and (for women) hips, combined with height, using a formula developed by the U.S. Navy as a practical field alternative to more precise methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.
For a man, the formula is: Body Fat % = 495 ÷ (1.0324 − 0.19077 × log₁₀(waist − neck) + 0.15456 × log₁₀(height)) − 450, with all measurements in inches. For example, for a man 178 cm tall (70.08 in) with a 38 cm neck (14.96 in) and 85 cm waist (33.46 in): waist − neck = 33.46 − 14.96 = 18.50 in, log₁₀(18.50) ≈ 1.2672. log₁₀(70.08) ≈ 1.8456. Plugging in: 1.0324 − (0.19077 × 1.2672) + (0.15456 × 1.8456) = 1.0324 − 0.2418 + 0.2853 = 1.0759. Then 495 ÷ 1.0759 = 460.1, and 460.1 − 450 = 10.1%, which falls in the 'Athletic' category for men.
For accurate results, measure your neck just below the larynx, your waist at the narrowest point (or navel level), and hips at the widest point, all with a flexible tape measure held snug but not compressing the skin.
Measuring waist at the belt line instead of at the true narrowest point (or navel level), which can meaningfully skew the estimate in either direction.
Pulling the tape measure too tight or too loose, the method assumes a snug, non-compressing measurement, inconsistent tension between measurements introduces real error.
Comparing results across two different measurement methods (like this Navy method versus a skinfold caliper test) and expecting them to match exactly, different methods have different systematic biases.
It's reasonably accurate for most people as a field estimate, typically within a few percentage points of more precise clinical methods, but individual body shape variation can affect accuracy.
The U.S. Navy formula uses different variables for men and women based on typical fat distribution patterns, the male formula only requires waist and neck, while the female formula also factors in hip measurement.
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