Body Fat Percentage Formula

A Body Fat Percentage Formula can be used to estimate your body's total fat based on specific measurements. If you are more comfortable with the International System of Units (SI), use the "Metric Units" tab. To get the best results, measure to the nearest 1/4 inch (0.5 cm). This calculation is based on the US Navy method, but also includes the calculation of body fat percentage using the BMI method.

Measuring Body Fat Percentage - U.S. Navy Method

Body fat percentage (BFP) formula for males:

USC Units:

BFP = 86.010×log10(abdomen-neck) - 70.041×log10(height) + 36.76

Body fat percentage (BFP) formula for females:

USC Units:

BFP = 163.205×log10(waist+hip-neck) - 97.684×(log10(height)) - 78.387

BMI Method:

Body fat percentage (BFP) formula for adult males:

BFP = 1.20 × BMI + 0.23 × Age - 16.2

Body fat percentage (BFP) formula for adult females:

BFP = 1.20 × BMI + 0.23 × Age - 5.4

Body fat percentage (BFP) formula for boys:

BFP = 1.51 × BMI - 0.70 × Age - 2.2

Body fat percentage (BFP) formula for girls:

BFP = 1.51 × BMI - 0.70 × Age + 1.4

Note: formula is also called body fat percentage algorithm

Body Fat Percentage Categories

Classification	Women (% Fat)	Men (% Fat)
Essential Fat	10-12%	2-4%
Athletes	14-20%	6-13%
Fitness	21-24%	14-17%
Acceptable	25-31%	18-25%
Obese	32% +	25% +