1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat to total body weight. The U.S. Navy body fat formula provides an estimate based on circumference measurements and height. It's commonly used for its simplicity and reasonable accuracy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

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

Where:

• \( waist \) — Waist circumference at navel (cm)
• \( neck \) — Neck circumference (cm)
• \( height \) — Height (cm)
• \( \log_{10} \) — Base-10 logarithm

Explanation: The formula estimates body fat percentage based on the relationship between body circumferences, height, and fat distribution.

3. Importance of Body Fat Measurement

Details: Body fat percentage is a better indicator of fitness than body weight alone. It helps assess health risks associated with obesity and monitor progress in fitness programs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure waist at navel level after normal exhalation
• Measure neck below the larynx with tape sloping downward
• All measurements should be in centimeters
• Waist must be larger than neck measurement

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this method?
A: It's reasonably accurate (±3-4%) for most people but may underestimate in very lean individuals and overestimate in very obese individuals.

Q2: Is there a different formula for women?
A: Yes, women use a formula that includes hip circumference: 495 / (1.29579 - 0.35004×log10(waist + hip - neck) + 0.22100×log10(height)) - 450

Q3: What are healthy body fat percentages?
A: For men: Essential fat 2-5%, Athletes 6-13%, Fitness 14-17%, Average 18-24%, Obese 25%+. Values vary by age.

Q4: When should measurements be taken?
A: Best in the morning before eating, with consistent measurement conditions for tracking changes over time.

Q5: Are there better measurement methods?
A: More accurate methods include DEXA scans, hydrostatic weighing, and Bod Pod, but these require special equipment.