Body Fat Calculator
Estimates body fat percentage using the BMI-based formula: BF% = 1.2×BMI + 0.23×Age - 16.2 (male). This is an estimate —...
You might also need
How It Works
Estimates body fat percentage using the BMI-based formula: BF% = 1.2×BMI + 0.23×Age - 16.2 (male). This is an estimate — DEXA scan or skinfold calipers are more accurate.
Quick Reference
Essential fat men
Minimum needed
2-5%
Athlete men
Athletic range
6-13%
Healthy women
Healthy range
18-28%
Obese threshold
Clinical definition
>30% men, >40% women
Tips & Shortcuts
Healthy body fat: men 10-20%, women 18-28%.
Athletic range: men 6-13%, women 14-20%.
Body fat percentage is more meaningful than BMI for athletes and muscular individuals.
Common Mistakes
Treating estimated body fat as exact measurement
This formula estimates within ±3-5%. For accurate measurement, use DEXA or hydrostatic weighing.
Comparing body fat across different measurement methods
Each method (BMI-based, calipers, DEXA) gives slightly different results. Use the same method consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
The US Navy method is accurate within 3–4% of actual body fat for most people and is widely used by military and fitness professionals. DEXA scanning is the gold standard.
For men: essential fat 2–5%, athletes 6–13%, fitness 14–17%, acceptable 18–24%, obese 25% and above.
For women: essential fat 10–13%, athletes 14–20%, fitness 21–24%, acceptable 25–31%, obese 32% and above.
Related Calculators
Overweight Calculator
Check if you are underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.
Body Type Calculator
Determine your body type: ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph.
Percentage Calculator
Find X% of Y, X is what % of Y, or percentage change.
Percent Off Calculator
Find the sale price after a percentage discount.
Healthy Weight Calculator
Find the healthy weight range for your height.
Anorexic BMI Calculator
BMI lookup and underweight range classification.