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Body Fat Estimator (US Navy)

Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy circumference method. Military-grade accuracy for fitness assessment.

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U.S. Navy Body Fat Estimation

The U.S. Navy circumference method provides a quick, non-invasive estimate of body fat percentage using only a tape measure. Originally developed for military fitness assessments, it offers a practical alternative to expensive DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.

The Formula

For Men: BF% = 495 / (1.0324 - 0.19077 × log10(Waist - Neck) + 0.15556 × log10(Height)) - 450. For Women: BF% = 495 / (1.29579 - 0.35004 × log10(Waist + Hip - Neck) + 0.22100 × log10(Height)) - 450. The formula uses logarithmic relationships between body measurements to estimate body composition.

Fun Fact: The U.S. Navy developed this method in the 1980s for quick fitness assessments during recruit training. It can be done in under 5 minutes with just a flexible tape measure—no expensive equipment required!

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