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 measure of body composition than body weight alone, helping to assess health risks associated with fat distribution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

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

Details: Monitoring body fat percentage is essential for assessing health risks, tracking fitness progress, and determining appropriate weight management strategies. High body fat percentage is associated with increased risk of various health conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMI value (calculated as weight in kg divided by height in meters squared), 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: 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.

Q4: Does this calculation work for all age groups?
A: The formula is generally applicable for adults aged 18-70. It may be less accurate for very young or elderly populations.

Q5: Can I use this calculation if I'm pregnant?
A: No, this calculation is not suitable for pregnant women as body composition changes significantly during pregnancy.