MACROSCALC OUTIL GRATUIT · SANS INSCRIPTION
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% MASSE GRASSE · US NAVY · JACKSON–POLLOCK 3 SITES MÈTRE RUBAN OU PINCE À PLIS

Body Fat % Estimator

A practical estimate you can do at home. Pick your method, enter the required measurements, and get your % body fat.

Reviewed by · Formulas: US Navy + Jackson–Pollock (Siri)

01 · Inputs How to measure ↓
Sex requis
Units Metric uses centimetres. Imperial uses inches.
Method Tape is the easiest repeatable option.
Height (cm) cm
CM
Waist circumference cm
CM
Neck circumference cm
CM

02 · Estimated body fat Estimation · Ne constitue pas un avis médical
Enter your measurements and press Calculate to see your estimated body fat %.
How to improve accuracy

Always measure at the same time of day. Take 2–3 repeats and average. Keep hydration and conditions consistent.

Show formulas (transparency)

US Navy (metric):
Male: %BF = 495 / (1.0324 − 0.19077 × log₁₀(waist − neck) + 0.15456 × log₁₀(height)) − 450
Female: %BF = 495 / (1.29579 − 0.35004 × log₁₀(waist + hip − neck) + 0.22100 × log₁₀(height)) − 450

Jackson–Pollock 3-site: sum 3 skinfolds → Body Density → %BF (Siri).
Men: chest + abdomen + thigh; Women: triceps + suprailiac + thigh.

How to measure correctly /measure-guide

The biggest source of error is technique. The goal is not a perfect number — it's a repeatable method you can track over time. Measure under the same conditions (same time of day, similar hydration, no pump) every 2–4 weeks.

Tape · Waist

  • Stand relaxed, normal exhale.
  • Measure at the level of the navel (or narrowest point), horizontal tape.
  • Snug but not compressing the skin.

Tape · Neck

  • Just below the Adam's apple.
  • Keep your head straight ahead, not tilted.
  • Horizontal, snug, no compression.

Tape · Hip (women)

  • At the widest point of the hips/glutes.
  • Feet together, weight evenly distributed.
  • Horizontal, parallel to the floor.

Calipers · 3-site

  • Pinch skin + fat firmly, lift away from muscle.
  • Place calipers ≈1 cm from your fingers.
  • Read after 1–2 seconds. Average 2–3 repeats per site.
Body fat measurement methods explained /methods

There's no single perfect "body fat test" at home. These calculators use statistical models that turn measurements into an estimate. If you use the same method, same landmarks, and similar conditions, the result is very useful for tracking trends.

US Navy tape method

Uses height plus body circumferences (neck/waist, and hip for women). Works surprisingly well because waist-to-neck ratios correlate with overall fatness. Less accurate if fat distribution is unusual or measurements are inconsistent.

Jackson–Pollock calipers

Measures skinfold thickness at three standardized sites (different for men and women). Estimates body density and converts it to body fat % using the Siri equation. Accuracy depends heavily on technique.

Which one should you choose?

  • No calipers? Start with the tape method — quick and repeatable.
  • Have calipers and good technique? Skinfolds may track changes more sensitively.
  • Don't mix methods week-to-week; pick one and keep conditions consistent.

How to interpret your result

  • Treat the number as an estimate with a margin of error.
  • Compare results only within the same method and technique.
  • If your weight stays stable but %BF drops, you may be gaining lean mass.

When tape can be inaccurate

Tape is less reliable if you carry fat very differently from the average person the equations were built on (very muscular neck/shoulders, very high obesity, extreme leanness). Bloating, big meals, and inconsistent tape tension also add noise. Use it mainly to track trends under the same conditions.

When calipers can be inaccurate

Calipers struggle if you can't get a clean pinch (very high body fat), if measurements are taken right after training/heat, or if site location is inconsistent. Inter-tester differences are common. If possible, have the same person measure you each time and average 2–3 repeats per site.

Catégories de pourcentage de masse grasse (hommes et femmes)

Plages de référence générales de l'American Council on Exercise (ACE). Les plages saines varient selon l'âge, le sport et la génétique — utilise-les comme repère, pas comme verdict.

CatégorieHommesFemmes
Masse grasse essentielle2–5%10–13%
Athlètes6–13%14–20%
Fitness14–17%21–24%
Acceptable / moyen18–24%25–31%
Obésité25%+32%+

FAQ

Why do tape and calipers differ?

They use different models and assumptions. Fat distribution, hydration and technique can shift results. Pick one method and repeat it consistently.

What should I do if my result looks "wrong"?

Double-check units, re-measure carefully, and average 2–3 repeats. If you recently trained, ate a big meal, or are dehydrated, wait and measure again under normal conditions.

How often should I measure?

Every 2–4 weeks is a good balance. More often can be noisy due to water retention and measurement variability.

Is the US Navy tape method accurate?

It's an estimate based on population data. For many people it's "accurate enough" to track changes, especially if you measure consistently. If your fat distribution is unusual, results can be biased — use it mainly for trends, not absolute precision.

Can I estimate body fat without a scale?

Yes. Both methods on this page work without body weight. Tape uses circumferences; calipers use skinfold thickness. You still need height.

Tape vs calipers — which is better for tracking?

Tape is simpler and often more repeatable. Calipers can be more sensitive if your technique is consistent. Pick one method and stick with it.

Lis le guide complet du TDEE →

Références

Disclaimer: educational purposes only. Not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, talk to a qualified professional.