Estimate your body fat percentage using three different methods: US Navy, BMI-based, and skinfold. Compare results and find your fitness category.
| Method | Body Fat % | Category |
|---|
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 2–5% | 10–13% |
| Athletes | 6–13% | 14–20% |
| Fitness | 14–17% | 21–24% |
| Average (acceptable) | 18–24% | 25–31% |
| Obese | 25%+ | 32%+ |
US Navy Method: Uses height, neck, and waist (and hip for women) circumference measurements. Accurate to within 3–4% of DEXA scan results for most people.
BMI Method: Uses the Deurenberg formula, which estimates body fat from BMI, age, and sex. Less accurate than the Navy method for athletes and muscular individuals.
The AIHW considers waist circumference a key indicator of abdominal obesity risk. Thresholds: men ≥94 cm (increased risk), ≥102 cm (substantially increased risk); women ≥80 cm (increased risk), ≥88 cm (substantially increased risk).
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) provides the most accurate body composition measurement. DEXA scans are widely available in Australia at radiology clinics and sports medicine facilities, often without a referral, typically costing $60–$200.