Body Fat Calculator: Understanding Body Composition
Learn about body fat percentage, healthy ranges for men and women, and different methods to measure body composition.
What is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, expressed as a percentage. It's a more accurate indicator of health than weight alone.
Healthy Body Fat Ranges
Men
Women
Women naturally have higher body fat for hormonal and reproductive functions.
Measurement Methods
Navy Method
Uses measurements of neck, waist, and hips to estimate body fat. Reasonably accurate and requires only a measuring tape.
Skinfold Calipers
Measures fat thickness at specific body sites. Requires proper technique for accuracy.
Bioelectrical Impedance
Uses electrical current to estimate body composition. Found in many bathroom scales.
DEXA Scan
Gold standard for accuracy. Uses X-ray technology but requires clinical setting.
Why Body Fat Matters
Too little body fat:
Too much body fat: