Body Fat (US Navy): Your Questions Answered
These are the questions people ask most often about body fat (us navy). Each answer is short; follow the links for the full detail.
What does a body fat (us navy) calculation tell me?
Estimates body fat percentage from tape measurements.
What is the formula?
US Navy circumference formula using log10 of waist, neck (and hip) and height.
What do I need to enter?
Sex, Height (cm), Neck (cm), Waist (cm), Hip (cm, women only).
Is this a medical assessment?
No. These are general estimates. Speak to a doctor or polyclinic for advice about your health.
Can you show an example?
For example, with these inputs:
- Sex: Male
- Height (cm): 172
- Neck (cm): 38
- Waist (cm): 85
- Hip (cm, women only): 95
the calculator returns:
- Body fat: 17.45%
Any tips?
- Small, steady changes are easier to sustain than dramatic targets.
- Formulas give estimates for the average person; your doctor can account for your history and body composition.
- Singapore's heat and humidity raise fluid needs, especially when exercising outdoors.
Background
Singapore's tropical climate means you lose more fluid through sweat, even when you are not exercising. Thirst, urine colour and how you feel are good guides, and needs rise during outdoor activity or heat waves.
Research has shown that Asians tend to develop conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower body weights than Europeans. That is why the Health Promotion Board recommends lower BMI cut-offs for Singaporeans, with 23 marking the start of moderate risk.
Any health calculator gives a general estimate. If a result worries you, or you are pregnant, managing a chronic condition or planning a big change in diet or exercise, speak to a doctor, polyclinic or dietitian.
Related calculations
- Protein Intake Calculator: Estimates daily protein needs.
- Steps to Kilometres Calculator: Converts step counts (like your Healthy 365 tracker) to distance.
- Running Pace Calculator: Calculates pace for runs like the Standard Chartered Marathon or IPPT 2.4 km.
- Calories Burned Calculator: Estimates calories burned with MET values.
Try it yourself with the Body Fat Calculator (US Navy).
Run your own numbers: Body Fat Calculator (US Navy)