Body Fat Percentage
Definition
The proportion of your total body weight that is composed of fat tissue, a more accurate indicator of fitness than weight alone.
Formula
Body Fat % = (Fat Mass / Total Body Mass) × 100Body fat percentage measures the ratio of fat mass to total body mass. Healthy ranges vary by sex: for men, 10-20% is considered fit, while for women, 18-28% is typical. Essential fat, the minimum needed for physiological function, is about 3-5% for men and 10-13% for women.
Several methods exist for measuring body fat percentage, ranging from simple (skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance scales) to advanced (DEXA scans, hydrostatic weighing, Bod Pod). Each method has trade-offs between accuracy, cost, and accessibility.
Body fat percentage is a better indicator of health and fitness than BMI or weight alone because it accounts for body composition. Two people with the same weight and height can have very different body fat percentages depending on their muscle mass. Tracking body fat percentage over time provides more meaningful feedback on the effectiveness of diet and exercise programs.
Related Calculators
Related Terms
BMI (Body Mass Index)
healthA numerical value calculated from height and weight that categorizes individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Lean Body Mass (LBM)
healthThe total weight of your body minus all fat weight, including muscles, bones, organs, water, and other non-fat tissues.
TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)
healthThe total number of calories your body burns in a day, combining basal metabolic rate, physical activity, and the thermic effect of food.
Macronutrients
healthThe three categories of nutrients that provide calories and energy: protein, carbohydrates, and fat, needed by the body in large quantities.
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