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Body Fat Percentage Formula:
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Body fat percentage is a measure of the amount of fat in your body compared to your total body weight. It provides a more accurate assessment of health and fitness than weight or BMI alone, as it distinguishes between fat mass and lean body mass.
The calculator uses the BMI-based body fat formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula estimates body fat percentage using BMI as a primary input, adjusted for age and sex differences in body composition.
Details: Monitoring body fat percentage is important 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.
Tips: Enter your BMI value (calculated as weight in kg divided by height in meters squared), age in years, and select your sex. All values must be valid (BMI > 0, age between 1-120).
Q1: How accurate is this BMI-based method?
A: While convenient, BMI-based formulas provide estimates and may not be as accurate as more direct 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: Why does the formula include age?
A: Body composition changes with age, typically showing increased fat mass and decreased lean mass, which the formula accounts for.
Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation method?
A: This method may be less accurate for very muscular individuals, elderly populations, and those with extreme body types.
Q5: How often should I measure my body fat percentage?
A: For tracking purposes, monthly measurements are sufficient as body fat changes slowly. Avoid daily measurements due to normal fluctuations.