Body Fat Percentage (Navy Method)
Also known as: Navy Body Fat Formula, US Navy Body Fat Estimation
BF\% = 86.010 \times \log_{10}(waist - neck) - 70.041 \times \log_{10}(height) + 36.76
BF% = 86.010×log10(waist-neck) - 70.041×log10(height) + 36.76What It Calculates
Estimates body fat percentage using circumference measurements. The formula shown is for males — the female version also includes hip circumference.
variables
| Symbol | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BF% | Body Fat Percentage | Estimated body fat as a percentage |
| waist | Waist | Waist circumference at navel |
| neck | Neck | Neck circumference |
| height | Height | Standing height |
Worked Examples
1
86.010 × log10(85-38) = 86.010 × log10(47) = 86.010 × 1.672 = 143.92
70.041 × log10(178) = 70.041 × 2.250 = 157.63
BF% = 143.9 - 157.6 + 36.76 = 23.1%Result: ~23.1%
Greșeli comune
Measurement consistency matters — always measure at the same spots
Less accurate for very lean or very obese individuals
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#body composition#body fat#fitness assessment