1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat to total body weight. It provides a more accurate assessment of body composition than weight or BMI alone, as it distinguishes between fat mass and lean body mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( BMI \) — Body Mass Index (unitless)
• \( age \) — Age in years
• \( sex \) — 1 for male, 0 for female

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 important for assessing health risks, tracking fitness progress, and maintaining optimal body composition. High body fat levels are associated with increased risk of various health conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMI value (calculate as weight(kg)/height(m)²), age in years, and select your gender. All values must be valid (BMI > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy body fat percentage range?
A: For men: 8-19% (athletes), 20-24% (fitness), 25%+ (obese). For women: 21-33% (athletes), 34-39% (fitness), 40%+ (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: Why does the formula include age and gender?
A: Body fat distribution and percentage naturally change with age and differ between genders due to hormonal and physiological differences.

Q4: How often should I measure my body fat percentage?
A: For most people, measuring every 4-8 weeks is sufficient to track meaningful changes without becoming obsessive.

Q5: Can this formula be used for athletes?
A: While it provides a general estimate, athletes may require more specialized assessment methods due to their unique body composition.