BMI cannot tell muscle from fat. This can. All you need is a tape measure - no machine, no scan.
Morning, on an empty stomach, minimal clothing. Keep the tape level - not pulled tight, not loose. Neck at its narrowest, waist at navel level, and for women hips at the widest point. Breathe normally and do not suck your stomach in.
This is the US Navy method, based purely on measurements. It can be off by three or four percent - which honestly does not matter much. What matters is taking the same measurements every month and watching whether the number is falling. The trend is the real answer.
Men - 6 to 13% is athletic, 14 to 17% is fit, 18 to 24% is average, above 25% is high. Women - 14 to 20% athletic, 21 to 24% fit, 25 to 31% average, above 32% high. Women naturally carry more body fat, and that is both normal and necessary. Going too low is not good for your health.
Everything on this page is worked out from a formula or from published averages. It has never met you, and it cannot see your blood pressure, your medication or an old injury.
Talk to a doctor before you start if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a heart condition, diabetes or high blood pressure, take regular medication, have or have had an eating disorder, are recovering from injury or surgery, or are under 18. Stop and get advice if any exercise causes pain, dizziness or chest discomfort.
More about where these numbers come from is on the about page.
