Body Fat Percentage Calculator: Find some of the best techniques to calculate and track your body fat on a regular basis. Also listed are the typical body fat amounts.
Body fat percentage calculator tells you more about the body composition (muscle and fat). Two people with similar body weight and height may have quite different body composition. Lower body fat percentage means higher lean mass and usually means the person has better health and fitness levels.
The Body Fat Percentage Calculator uses the U.S. Navy fitness formula to calculate an estimation of body fat. Although the water displacement test is the most accurate way to determine body fat percent, however the Navy Body Fat test or YMCA formula is sufficiently accurate within 1-3% for most people. The Body Adiposity Index (BAI) is an alternative method of measuring human body fat.
Some calculators take measurements of the various body parts – waist, wrist, hip and forearm circumference – and gender to determine body fat index based on average values.
Here are some links to Body Fat Calculators:
Additional useful links:
How Much Body Fat Do You Have?
The scientific name for body fat is “adipose tissue.” It’s primary purpose is to store lipids, from which the body creates energy. As you can see, its important to have fats in the body. However, having an excess of body fat could lead to obesity.
Body fat is a concern for anybody who is serious about his/her fitness. If you are a bit on the obese side, you should be even more concerned since it is linked to various diseases and ailments.
So how do you know how much body fat you have? There are several ways to calculate your body-fat percentage. Most of these results will give you a close estimate of how much body fat you’re carrying around, but to get the correct body fat, you will need to do a skin fold test.
Skin Fold Test
Skin Fold Test is a popular method used for calculating body fat percentage. Its considered to be much more accurate way to estimate body fat percentage, compared to other methods (such as using simple tape measurements).
In this method, skinfold caliper measurements are taken at in 3-9 different locations on the body (chest, biceps, abdominals, thighs, calves, triceps and lower back), which is then applied to various formulas.
For best and consistent measurements:
- Take measurements on the same side (usually on the right side)
- Take a minimum of two measurements at each location (in case the two measurements differ by more than 2 millimeters, you should ideally take a third measurement). The average of the 2-3 measurements is taken when making the calculations using the body composition calculator.
How to Take Measurements: Videos
Watch: How to perform a 7-site skinfold body fat measurement on a male
Watch: How to perform a 7-site skinfold body fat measurement on a female
Read: Best body-fat/skin calipers.
Ideal Body Fat Percentages
So what’s a good amount of body fat to have? Here is the generally accepted chart for women and men when it comes to body fat percentage:
- Athletes: 14–20% (Women), 6–13% (Men)
- Fitness: 21–24% (Women), 14–17% (Men)
- Average: 25–31% (Women), 18–24% (Men)
- Obese: 32%+ (Women), 25%+ (Men)
So what is the best way to calculate your body fat on a regular basis, so that you know you are making a progress?
Body Fat Percentage Calculator – Various Methods
There are several methods available to calculate body fat!
So which one is good for you?
Well, it will depend on how much you are ready to shell out.
Watch: How to effectively measure body fat percentage
Here are the more popular techniques; pick up whatever suits your needs!
- Body Mass Index
Determine your body weight relative to your height! - Body Fat Caliper
Measure fat by making a fold in the skin! - Body Fat Scales
Easiest to use, you don’t need any expert help!
Body Composition
Body Composition refers to the amount of fat & muscle you have in your body. It is one of the most important indicators of your health and fitness.
Summary
Keeping your body fat in check is important if you are serious about your health and fitness. To be able to do so, you will need to calculate your body fat on a regular basis. The methods mentioned above should provide you with various options. Choose one that you think is easy to use and one that fits within your budget.
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