1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, expressed as a percentage. It provides a more accurate measure of body composition than weight or BMI alone, distinguishing between fat mass and lean body mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the body fat percentage 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 Calculation

Details: Monitoring body fat percentage is essential for assessing health risks, tracking fitness progress, and developing appropriate nutrition and exercise plans. High body fat percentage is associated with increased risk of various health conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMI value (calculated from height and weight), age in years, and select your gender. All values must be valid (BMI > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: This formula provides a reasonable estimate but may not be as accurate as more advanced methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing.

Q2: What are healthy body fat percentage ranges?
A: For men: 6-24% (athletes: 6-13%, fitness: 14-17%, average: 18-24%). For women: 16-30% (athletes: 14-20%, fitness: 21-24%, average: 25-30%).

Q3: Can I use this calculator if I'm pregnant?
A: No, this calculator is not suitable for pregnant women as body composition changes significantly during pregnancy.

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

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: Yes, this method may be less accurate for athletes, elderly individuals, and those with unusual body compositions.