Free Tool

Covert Bailey Body Fat Calculator

Estimate your body fat percentage using the Covert Bailey girth measurement method. All you need is a tape measure.

Measure at the navel

in

Measure at the widest point

in

Measure at the widest point with arm extended

in

Measure at the narrowest point, just above the wrist bone

in

What is the Covert Bailey method?

The Covert Bailey method is a body fat estimation technique from the book "Fit or Fat?" by Covert Bailey. It uses four circumference measurements (waist, hip, forearm, and wrist) to estimate body fat percentage without needing height, calipers, or any special equipment. The formula uses different coefficients for men and women.

While less commonly used in clinical settings than the Navy method or skinfold testing, the Bailey method provides a quick estimate that can be useful for tracking changes over time. Its main advantage is simplicity: four measurements with a tape measure and you have a result.

What measurements do I need?

  • Waist: Measure at the navel while standing relaxed
  • Hip: Measure at the widest point of the hips and buttocks
  • Forearm: Measure at the widest point with arm extended
  • Wrist: Measure at the narrowest point, just above the wrist bone

Bailey method formulas

Men: % Body Fat = waist + (0.5 x hip) - (3 x forearm) - wrist

Women: % Body Fat = waist + (0.5 x hip) - (2 x forearm) - wrist

All measurements are in inches. Metric values are automatically converted before calculation.

Try other methods

This calculator also supports the U.S. Navy method (tape measure), Jackson-Pollock 3-site skinfold (calipers), and manual entry for known values from DEXA scans or scales.