Body fat percentage is the percentage of your total body weight that comes from fat. Admission to military service frequently requires your body fat to be within a specific range. Each branch of the military has its own method for calculating body fat percentage. For example, the U.S. Navy uses a method best suited for younger, more physically fit subjects. The calculation of body fat percentage is specific for each gender.
Calculation for Women
Step 1
Measure your height in inches with a tape measure.
Step 2
Measure the circumference of your waist in inches at navel level and the circumference of your neck in inches at the Adam's apple.
Step 3
Measure the circumference of your hips in inches at their fullest point.
Step 4
Calculate your body density with formula from the U.S. Navy Physical Fitness Standards: Body Density = 0.221 x (log [2.54 x height]) -- 0.35004 x (log [2.54 x (waist + hips -- neck)]) + 1.2959.
Step 5
Convert your body density to your body fat percentage with this calculation: Body Fat Percentage = 495 / (Body Density -- 450).
Calculation for Men
Step 1
Measure your height in inches with a tape measure.
Step 2
Measure the circumference of your waist in inches at navel level and the circumference of your neck in inches at the Adam's apple.
Step 3
Calculate your body density using the formula from the U.S. Navy Physical Fitness Standards: Body Density = 0.15456 x (log [2.54 x height]) -- 0.19077 x (log [2.54 x (waist -- neck)]) + 1.0324.
Step 4
Convert your body density to your body fat percentage with the following formula: Body Fat Percentage = 495 / (Body Density -- 450).
Things You'll Need
- Tape Measure
- Calculator
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