US Navy Method

The US Department of Defense utilizes its own guidelines to calculate body fat percentage as the measure of body composition and sets standard for allowable upper limits for its members at 22% for men and 33% for women.

The age-adjusted maximum allowable body fat percentages for the navy are:

Male: Age 17-39 (22%) 40-44 (23%)

Female: Age 17-39 (33%) 40-44 (34%)

Here's how the Department of Defense calculates individual body composition.

Men

Measure Height.

Measure circumference of neck just below the Adam's apple.

Measure circumference of waist at the navel.

Body Fat Percentage Calculation:

1. Obtain a total circumference value: Subtract the neck circumference from the waist circumference. (waist-neck) Multiple this number by 86.010

2. Multiply your height by 70.041 and add 36.76. Subtract this from number 1.

Formula:

86.010 x (waist-neck) - 70.041 x (height) + 36.76.

Women

Measure Height.

Measure Weight.

Measure circumference of neck just below the larynx.

Measure circumference of waist at the navel.

Measure hip circumference at the greatest protrusion of the buttocks.

Body Fat Percentage Calculation:

1. Obtain a total circumference value: Add the waist and hip calculations then subtract the neck. Multiply this number by 163.205. (waist + hip - neck)

2. Multiply your height by 97.684 then subtract 78.387. Subtract this total from number 1.

Formula:

163.205 x (waist + hip -neck) -97.684 x (height) - 78.387