Body Fat Percentage Calculator for Men (Navy Method)
US Navy method for men: BF% = 86.01 x log10(waist - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76. For a 5'10" man with 34" waist and 15" neck: BF% = 18.5%. This is the "Fitness" category for men (14-17% is Athlete, 18-24% is Fitness, 25-31% is Average, 32%+ is Obese by ACSM standards).
Body Fat %
16.94%
Category
Fitness
US Navy body fat formula. Men: measure neck and waist at navel. Women: also measure hips at widest point. Athletes: 6-14% (M) / 14-21% (F). Average: 18-25% (M) / 25-32% (F).
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Common questions about Body Fat Percentage Calculator for Men (Navy Method)
What is a healthy body fat percentage for men?
Essential fat (minimum to survive): 2-5%. Athletes: 6-13%. Fitness: 14-17%. Average: 18-24%. Obese: 25%+. These are ACSM standards. Men under 35 should aim for 10-20%, men 35-55 for 12-22%, men 55+ for 15-25%. Body fat above 25% for men is associated with increased cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk.
How accurate is the Navy method vs DEXA scan?
The US Navy method typically falls within 3-4% of DEXA (gold standard) for most body types. It tends to overestimate fat in very lean individuals (below 10% BF) and underestimate in very obese individuals. For most people tracking progress over time, the Navy method is accurate enough - the absolute number matters less than the trend.
How do I measure waist for body fat calculation?
For the Navy method, measure the waist at the narrowest point (belly button level) while relaxed, not sucked in. Take 3 measurements and average them. Neck measurement is at the narrowest point below the Adam's apple. Use a flexible tape measure, not a rigid ruler. Measure in the morning before eating for consistency.