1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat in your body compared to your total body weight. It's a more accurate indicator of fitness than body weight alone, as it distinguishes between fat and lean mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the U.S. Navy body fat formula for men:

Where:

• \( waist \) — Waist circumference at navel (inches)
• \( neck \) — Neck circumference (inches)
• \( height \) — Height (inches)

Explanation: The equation estimates body fat percentage based on circumference measurements and height, using logarithmic relationships to account for body composition.

3. Importance of Body Fat Measurement

Details: Knowing your body fat percentage helps assess health risks, track fitness progress, and set appropriate weight management goals. High body fat is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure waist at navel level after exhaling normally
• Measure neck below the larynx with tape sloping downward
• All measurements should be in inches
• Values must be valid (waist > neck, all measurements > 0)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this method?
A: The Navy method is reasonably accurate (±3%) for most people, though more precise methods (DEXA, hydrostatic weighing) exist.

Q2: What are healthy body fat percentages?
A: For men: 6-24% (athletes 6-13%, fitness 14-17%, average 18-24%, obese 25%+). Women typically have 5-8% higher values.

Q3: When should measurements be taken?
A: Morning before eating is ideal. Be consistent with timing for tracking changes.

Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: Less accurate for very lean or obese individuals, and doesn't account for age or muscle distribution.

Q5: Is there a female version of this equation?
A: Yes, the female version also includes hip measurement: 163.205 × log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 × log10(height) - 78.387