What is body fat percentage?
Body fat percentage indicates the proportion of fat relative to total body weight. Unlike BMI, this measurement distinguishes lean mass from fat, providing a more accurate assessment of body composition.
US Navy formula
The US Navy formula uses circumference measurements (neck, waist, and hip for women) along with height to estimate body fat percentage. It's one of the most accessible and reasonably accurate methods available.
Body fat classifications
For men: essential (<6%), athlete (6-13%), fitness (14-17%), acceptable (18-24%), obese (>25%). For women: essential (<14%), athlete (14-20%), fitness (21-24%), acceptable (25-31%), obese (>32%).