Body Fat Calculator
Calculate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy method
Body Composition Facts
Essential Fat Requirements
Men need 2-5% essential fat for basic functions, while women require 10-13% due to reproductive needs.
Athlete Body Fat Ranges
Elite male athletes typically have 6-13% body fat, while female athletes range from 14-20%.
Body Fat Distribution
Men tend to store fat in the abdomen (android), while women store it in hips and thighs (gynoid).
Visceral vs Subcutaneous Fat
Visceral fat around organs is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat under the skin.
Body Fat Measurement Methods
DEXA scans are the gold standard with 1-2% accuracy, while Navy method has 3-4% margin of error.
Fat Cell Count Facts
Adults have about 30 billion fat cells. They can shrink but rarely decrease in number after adolescence.
Brown Fat Discovery
Brown adipose tissue burns calories to generate heat and is more active in people with lower body fat.
Body Recomposition Concept
You can simultaneously lose fat and gain muscle, especially if you are new to strength training.