Hydrostatic weighing and other high tech machines are expensive and almost impossible for a layperson to access. The widely used body mass index bmi provides a measure that allows the comparison of the adiposity of individuals of different heights and weights. This free body fat calculator estimates body fat percentage based on the us. It displays a number of results including the fat loss required to reach ideal body fat percentage. Determine your body fat percentage with our body fat calculator. In addition explore many other calculators addressing finance math health and fitness.
The body fat percentage is a measure of fitness level since it is the only body measurement which directly calculates a persons relative body composition without regard to height or weight. Navy method as well as the bmi method. Your body uses essential body fat to function properly this type of fat helps regulate body temperature provides cushion for the internal organs and provides you with energy during illness. There are many different methods for measuring body fat but some are more accurate than others. But others feel that body fat percentage is really the way to go. A basic way to measure body fat percentage is by using a soft tape measure like the kind youd use for sewing to record measurements of different parts of the body.
Your number will tell you if you fall in the underweight normal overweight or obese categories. There are also hand held devices and scales which measure body fat but these are often inaccurate. Then input your gender and measurements below to receive a body fat index based on average values. The following body fat measurement tools require special machinery and provide much more accurate results. A mathematical measurement that adjusts your weight for your height. The bmi numbers are way too general to be really useful says tammy callahan marketing manager of life measurement inc which.
Use a tape measure to determine your waist wrist hip and forearm circumference. Skinfold measurements have been used to estimate body fat for over 50 years skinfold calipers measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat the fat underneath the skin at certain body. A bod pod is a machine that calculates a persons body density. This type of body fat has a percentage measure of 10 13 of body mass for women and 2 5 of body mass for men.