Question 1

How accurate is the US Navy body fat calculator?

Accepted Answer

It is a convenient estimate, not a measurement. The Navy tape method correlates reasonably well with criterion methods but carries a standard error of roughly 3 to 4 percentage points against a DEXA scan, and it assumes a typical fat distribution. Use it to track a trend in yourself over time rather than as a precise number. A DEXA or InBody scan is the accurate version.

Question 2

What is a healthy body fat percentage for my age?

Accepted Answer

It rises modestly with age and differs by sex. For men, roughly 8 to 19 percent at 20 to 39, 11 to 21 percent at 40 to 59, and 13 to 24 percent at 60 to 79. For women, roughly 21 to 32 percent, 23 to 33 percent, and 24 to 35 percent across the same age bands. These are adapted from Gallagher et al. 2000. Some fat is essential, so lower is not always better.

Question 3

Are these ranges right for Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Read the upper end as somewhat lower for yourself. The published ranges come from cohorts that were predominantly Caucasian, and Asian populations tend to carry more visceral fat and face cardiometabolic risk at a lower total body fat and BMI. So a number near the top of the healthy band may warrant more attention here than the raw figure suggests.

Question 4

How do I measure correctly for the Navy method?

Accepted Answer

Use a flexible tape, snug but not compressing, all in centimetres. Neck: just below the larynx, tape sloping slightly down at the front. Waist: at the navel for men, at the narrowest point for women, relaxed and after breathing out. Women also measure the hip at its widest point. Measure twice and average, and measure at the same time of day when you re-check.

Age	Men	Women
20–39	8–19%	21–32%
40–59	11–21%	23–33%
60–79	13–24%	24–35%

Body Fat Percentage Calculator

Why body fat beats the scale

Healthy body fat range by age and sex

Body fat percentage, common questions

More complimentary Healthspan calculators