Question 1

What is a healthy body fat percentage?

Accepted Answer

For men, 10 to 20% is generally considered healthy; for women, 18 to 28%. Athletes typically sit lower — 6 to 13% for men and 14 to 20% for women. Going below essential fat levels (2-5% men, 10-13% women) carries serious health risks.

Question 2

How accurate is the Navy body fat calculator?

Accepted Answer

The US Navy method typically estimates body fat within 3 to 4 percentage points of a DEXA scan for most people. It is less accurate at very low or very high body fat levels. Consistent use of the same method over time tells you whether you are moving in the right direction, even if the absolute number is slightly off.

Question 3

What is the difference between body fat percentage and BMI?

Accepted Answer

BMI is calculated from height and weight alone and cannot distinguish between fat and muscle. Body fat percentage directly measures how much of your total weight is fat. A muscular athlete can have a high BMI but low body fat — body fat percentage catches this where BMI does not.

Body Fat Calculator

Healthy body fat ranges