A common method used in the United States military is the "tape test" or "circumference method." This method estimates body fat percentage by measuring the circumference of specific body parts and then using these measurements in a formula.
Woman Man
Metric Imperial
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inch
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Body fat varies by age and gender
Body fat percentage varies subject to age and sex.
Description Women Men Essential fat 10–13% 2–5% Athletes 14–20% 6–13% Fitness 21–24% 14–17% Average 25–31% 18–24% Obese 32%+ 25%+
How to measure the circumference
Apply the measuring tape to contact with skin, and conform to the body surface. Don't apply pressure on soft tissues, make the measurement parallel to the floor.
- Abdomen - place tape at the navel (belly button), and parallel to the floor.
- Neck (male) - measure at a point just below the larynx (Adam's Apple) and perpendicular to the long axis of the neck.
- Neck (female) - measure at a point just below the larynx (Adam's Apple) and perpendicular to the long axis of the neck
- Waist - measure at the point of minimal abdominal circumference, usually located about halfway between the navel and the lower end of the sternum (breast bone)
- Hip - place the tape around the hips so that it passes over the greatest protrusion of the gluteal muscles (buttocks) as viewed from the side.