1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, multiplied by 100. It provides a more accurate assessment of body composition than weight alone, helping to distinguish between fat mass and lean body mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( \text{BMI} \) — Body Mass Index (weight in kg / height in m²)
• \( \text{age} \) — Age in years
• \( \text{sex} \) — 1 for female, 0 for male

Explanation: This formula estimates body fat percentage based on BMI, age, and gender, providing a quick assessment of body composition.

3. Importance of Body Fat Measurement

Details: Monitoring body fat percentage is essential for health assessment, fitness tracking, and weight management. It helps identify risks associated with both high and low body fat levels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, age in years, and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy body fat percentage range?
A: For men: 8-19% (healthy), 20-25% (overweight), >25% (obese). For women: 21-33% (healthy), 34-39% (overweight), >39% (obese).

Q2: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: This formula provides a reasonable estimate but may not be as accurate as methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.

Q3: How often should I measure my body fat percentage?
A: Monthly measurements are sufficient for tracking changes. Daily fluctuations are normal and not meaningful.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This formula may be less accurate for athletes, elderly individuals, and those with extreme body compositions.

Q5: Can body fat percentage be too low?
A: Yes, extremely low body fat (below 5% for men, 13% for women) can lead to health issues including hormonal imbalances and weakened immune function.