Health · Quick Answer

What is a healthy body-fat percentage?

For men, 10-20% body fat is generally considered healthy; 21-24% is acceptable; 25%+ is obese. For women, 18-28% is healthy; 29-31% is acceptable; 32%+ is obese. Athletes run leaner: male athletes 6-13%, female athletes 14-20%.

ACE body-fat categories

Men:

Essential fat: 2-5%
Athletes: 6-13%
Fitness: 14-17%
Average: 18-24%
Obese: 25%+

Women:

Essential fat: 10-13%
Athletes: 14-20%
Fitness: 21-24%
Average: 25-31%
Obese: 32%+

Women carry more essential fat because of hormonal and reproductive needs. Body-fat targets should not be compared across sexes.

Measurement methods (most to least accurate)

DEXA scan: gold standard, ±1% accuracy, $50-$150
Hydrostatic weighing / Bod Pod: ±2%, lab-only
Skin-fold calipers: ±3% with a trained operator
Smart scales (BIA): ±5-8%, varies with hydration
Navy tape method: ±3-5%, only needs a tape measure

Why body fat beats BMI

BMI misclassifies muscular people as overweight. A 200-lb bodybuilder at 6'0" has a BMI of 27 (overweight) but 8% body fat. Use body-fat percentage for performance and aesthetics; use BMI for quick population screening.

Run the numbers

All calculators →

Body Fat Percentage Calculator

Estimate your body fat percentage using the US Navy method based on body measurements.

BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) from height and weight. See where you fall on the BMI scale.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator

Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio, a key indicator of health risk related to body fat distribution.