Body Fat Calculator for Women
The women's formula, the women's bands, and how to measure right.
The women's Navy formula is 163.205 x log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387, all in inches. With a 28-inch waist, 38-inch hips, 13-inch neck, and 64-inch height, it gives 26.6 percent, in the average band of 25 to 31. Women's healthy zones run 21 to 31 percent across fitness and average, with essential fat at 10 to 13.
The women's formula
Hips enter the equation because lower-body fat, which the men's formula would miss, matters for women's totals. The coefficients are larger to match women's higher essential fat.
Worked: 28 + 38 - 13 = 53; log10(53) = 1.7243; times 163.205 = 281.4. Log10(64) = 1.8062; times 97.684 = 176.4. Then 281.4 - 176.4 - 78.39 = 26.6 percent.
Measuring hips and waist
Hips go around the widest point of the buttocks with feet together, tape level. Waist goes at the navel, relaxed, after exhaling. Both snug, neither denting.
Wear thin clothing or measure on skin. Jeans and shapewear can easily steal an inch and flatter the result.
Reading your band
Essential 10-13, athletes 14-20, fitness 21-24, average 25-31, obesity 32+. Our 26.6 example sits in average, a fine place with room to move into fitness.
Life stages shift interpretation: pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause all change composition, so compare against your own history first and the bands second.
Skip the arithmetic
Calculate your body fat with the women's formula.
Women's body fat questions
How is body fat calculated for women?
Body fat percent = 163.205 x log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387, in inches. Enter the four measurements in the calculator for an instant result.
What is a healthy body fat for a woman?
Fitness is 21 to 24 percent and average is 25 to 31, so the practical healthy zone is 21 to 31. Athletes run 14 to 20, and below 14 percent essential levels bring health risks.
Why do women have higher body fat percentages?
Women carry 10 to 13 percent essential fat versus 2 to 5 for men, supporting reproductive and hormonal function. Higher percentages at every band are normal physiology.