Within ~3% for most people; DEXA is the gold standard.

What's a healthy body fat %?

Men 10–20%, women 18–28% is typical for health; athletes can be lower.

About the same accuracy when a skilled tester uses them.

Where do I measure the waist?

At the navel level for men; narrowest point for women.

Estimate body fat percentage from simple tape measurements — the US Navy method used for military standards.

All math runs in your browser — nothing is uploadedReviewed & updated: January 1970Methodology

SexHeight (in)Waist (in)Neck (in)

Body fat

12.9%

EssentialObese

Ranges (men / women): essential 2-5 / 10-13, athletes 6-13 / 14-20, fitness 14-17 / 21-24, average 18-24 / 25-31, obese 25+ / 32+.

Men: 495/(1.0324 − 0.19077·log10(waist−neck) + 0.15456·log10(height)) − 450.

Example

36" waist, 16" neck, 70" height (man) → ~19% body fat.

How accurate is it?: Within ~3% for most people; DEXA is the gold standard.
What's a healthy body fat %?: Men 10–20%, women 18–28% is typical for health; athletes can be lower.
Are calipers better?: About the same accuracy when a skilled tester uses them.
Where do I measure the waist?: At the navel level for men; narrowest point for women.