What body fat percentage is healthy for women?

Essential fat for women is 10–13%. Athletic women typically range 14–20%, fitness level 21–24%, and the acceptable average is 25–31%. Above 32% is generally classified as obese for women.

Why do women have higher essential body fat than men?

Women require more essential fat to support hormonal functions, including oestrogen production, bone health, and reproductive capacity. This is normal and healthy.

Where should I measure my hips?

Measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape horizontal. Take the measurement at the same time each day (morning is best) for consistency.

Is my data sent to a server?

All calculations are pure JavaScript running in your browser. Our servers are not involved at any point.

Body fat calculator for women

Estimate your body fat percentage using the US Navy circumference method. For women, you need four measurements: neck, waist, hip, and height. No calipers or body fat scales needed, just a measuring tape. Everything runs in your browser.

Sex

Units

Neck (cm)

Waist (cm)

Hip (cm)

Height (cm)

Measure neck below larynx, waist at narrowest point, hips at widest point.

How it works

The US Navy circumference method uses a logarithmic formula to estimate body fat from tape measurements. For men: BF% = 495 / (1.0324 − 0.19077 × log₁₀(waist − neck) + 0.15456 × log₁₀(height)) − 450. For women, the hip measurement is added to the waist. All logarithm and arithmetic operations run locally in your browser using JavaScript. No data is sent to our servers.

Processing runs in your browser

The entire calculation runs in the browser page using pure JavaScript. Our servers are not involved at any point.

Technical specification

The US Navy circumference method was developed by Hodgdon and Beckett at the Naval Health Research Center (1984) and validated against hydrostatic (underwater) weighing. The formula uses circumference measurements and the logarithm of measurement differences. Accuracy is ±3–4 percentage points, similar to skinfold caliper methods. DEXA scanning remains the gold standard for body composition measurement.

Method: US Navy circumference method (Hodgdon & Beckett, 1984)
Accuracy: ±3–4 percentage points
Men inputs: Neck, waist, height
Women inputs: Neck, waist, hip, height

Related operations

For a general weight category from height alone, try the BMI calculator. To work out fat-free mass from total weight, use the lean body mass calculator. For a healthy weight range based on your frame, see the ideal weight calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What body fat percentage is healthy for women?: Essential fat for women is 10–13%. Athletic women typically range 14–20%, fitness level 21–24%, and the acceptable average is 25–31%. Above 32% is generally classified as obese for women.
Why do women have higher essential body fat than men?: Women require more essential fat to support hormonal functions, including oestrogen production, bone health, and reproductive capacity. This is normal and healthy.
Where should I measure my hips?: Measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape horizontal. Take the measurement at the same time each day (morning is best) for consistency.
Is my data sent to a server?: All calculations are pure JavaScript running in your browser. Our servers are not involved at any point.

Last reviewed May 26, 2026