During the test, patients lay on the flat DXA table, and a scanning arm extends over them to deliver the X-ray. InBody Body Composition and Body Water Analyzer The InBody sends multiple mild electrical currents through the body, resulting in up to six different impedance readings that calculate body fat, muscle and water.

It is the only authorized ADP for use with the supplemental body fat assessment right now. This system is as accurate as hydrostatic underwater weighing, but quicker and easier to perform.

Home Ready and Resilient Homepage Army Body Composition Program ABCP Body Fat Calculator Body Fat Calculator In June , the Army announced a new Army Body Fat Circumference-Based Tape Test and supplemental body fat assessment. Waist measurements are taken at the belly button for men and just above the belly button for women.

You can click on the help? icon next to the input fields in the calculator to get specific details. The accuracy of the U. Navy Body Circumference method is around 3. The Covert Bailey Method is named after its creator, fitness expert Covert Bailey.

Bailey has been a leading voice in the fitness industry for over 30 years, and countless people worldwide have used Bailey's method of calculating body fat percentage. It's considered one of the most recent formulas to measure body fat. According to Bailey, for most people, the tape-measure test's accuracy is within 2.

Personal trainers commonly use skinfold measurements to estimate body fat in local gyms. Using skinfold calipers require some training and experience for maximal efficacy and can predict body fat percentages within plus or minus 3.

Generally, the more skinfold sites measured, the greater the accuracy. Refer to the skinfold caliper manual for instructions. As a general rule, always take skinfold measurements from the right side of the body.

Take a minimum of two measurements at each skinfold site. If the two measurements differ by more than 2 mm, take a 3rd. Record the average for the site. Click the help? icon next to the input fields for info on the exact location of the skinfold measurement.

This skinfold method uses simple measurements that you can probably perform yourself. It is reasonably accurate for most people with an average build. However, it underestimates body fat for athletes, bodybuilders, or very lean individuals. The formula uses the chest, abdomen, and thigh for men and the tricep, suprailiac, and thigh for women.

With this method, the skinfold measurement sites are the same for males and females. Measurements are taken at four sites, making this method slightly more reliable than the three sites, but it loses accuracy for very lean individuals. This method produces the most reliable results of the three Jackson-Pollock series of skinfold measurements.

The test uses seven skinfold sites, the same for males and females. Whichever way you choose, remember that if you plan to measure your body fat regularly, you need to use the same method each time to get the most accurate data.

If you want to change your body fat composition, a balance of nutritious eating and being sure to avoid fad diets, coupled with exercise, is the best bet.

Consult a healthcare provider to assess your health risks and make a plan for staying healthy. American Council on Exercise. Percent body fat calculator: skinfold method. Macek P, Biskup M, Terek-Derszniak M, et al. Optimal body fat percentage cut-off values in predicting the obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors: a cross-sectional cohort study.

Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. Al-Ozairi E, Alsaeed D, Alroudhan D, et al. Skeletal muscle and metabolic health: how do we increase muscle mass and function in people with type 2 diabetes? J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Bryant CX, Green DJ, Newton-Merrill S. ACE Health Coach Manual: the Ultimate Guide to Wellness, Fitness, and Lifestyle Change.

American Council on Exercise, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About adult BMI. Updated April 10, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Assessing your weight and health risk. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Understanding adult overweight and obesity.

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Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD. Learn about our Medical Review Board. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Percentage Categories. Health Risks. Why Percentage Matters.

Other Ways to Measure. How to Reduce Body Fat. How to Improve Body Composition With Nutrition and Exercise. Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. S Al-Ozairi E, Alsaeed D, Alroudhan D, et al.

As such, BMI is a useful indicator of overall fitness for a large group of people, but a poor tool for determining the health of an individual. Epidemiologically , the percentage of body fat in an individual varies according to sex and age.

Different authorities have consequently developed different recommendations for ideal body fat percentages. This graph from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey NHANES in the United States charts the average body fat percentages of Americans from samples from to Essential fat is the level at which physical and physiological health would be negatively affected, and below which death is certain.

Bodybuilders may compete at essential body fat range. Certified personal trainers will suggest competitors keep that extremely low level of body fat only for the contest time. Irrespective of the location from which they are obtained, the fat cells in humans are composed almost entirely of pure triglycerides with an average density of about 0.

Most modern body composition laboratories today use the value of 1. With a well engineered weighing system, body density can be determined with great accuracy by completely submerging a person in water and calculating the volume of the displaced water from the weight of the displaced water.

A correction is made for the buoyancy of air in the lungs and other gases in the body spaces. If there were no errors whatsoever in measuring body density, the uncertainty in fat estimation would be about ± 3.

Whole-body air displacement plethysmography ADP is a recognised and scientifically validated densitometric method to measure human body fat percentage. Air-displacement plethysmography offers several advantages over established reference methods, including a quick, comfortable, automated, noninvasive, and safe measurement process, and accommodation of various subject types e.

A beam of infra-red light is transmitted into a biceps. The light is reflected from the underlying muscle and absorbed by the fat.

The method is safe, noninvasive, rapid and easy to use. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DXA formerly DEXA , is a newer method for estimating body fat percentage, and determining body composition and bone mineral density.

X-rays of two different energies are used to scan the body, one of which is absorbed more strongly by fat than the other. A computer can subtract one image from the other, and the difference indicates the amount of fat relative to other tissues at each point.

A sum over the entire image enables calculation of the overall body composition. There are several more complicated procedures that more accurately determine body fat percentage. Some, referred to as multicompartment models, can include DXA measurement of bone, plus independent measures of body water using the dilution principle with isotopically labeled water and body volume either by water displacement or air plethysmography.

Various other components may be independently measured, such as total body potassium. In-vivo neutron activation can quantify all the elements of the body and use mathematical relations among the measured elements in the different components of the body fat, water, protein, etc.

to develop simultaneous equations to estimate total body composition, including body fat. Prior to the adoption of DXA, the most accurate method of estimating body fat percentage was to measure that person's average density total mass divided by total volume and apply a formula to convert that to body fat percentage.

Since fat tissue has a lower density than muscles and bones, it is possible to estimate the fat content. This estimate is distorted by the fact that muscles and bones have different densities: for a person with a more-than-average amount of bone mass, the estimate will be too low.

The bioelectrical impedance analysis BIA method is a lower-cost from less than one to several hundred US dollars in [16] but less accurate way to estimate body fat percentage.

The general principle behind BIA: two or more conductors are attached to a person's body and a small electric current is sent through the body. The resistance between the conductors will provide a measure of body fat between a pair of electrodes, since the resistance to electricity varies between adipose , muscular and skeletal tissue.

Factors that affect the accuracy and precision of this method include instrumentation, subject factors, technician skill, and the prediction equation formulated to estimate the fat-free mass. Each bare foot may be placed on an electrode, with the current sent up one leg, across the abdomen and down the other leg.

For convenience, an instrument which must be stepped on will also measure weight. Alternatively, an electrode may be held in each hand; calculation of fat percentage uses the weight, so that must be measured with scales and entered by the user.

The two methods may give different percentages, without being inconsistent, as they measure fat in different parts of the body.

More sophisticated instruments for domestic use are available with electrodes for both feet and hands. There is little scope for technician error as such, but factors such as eating, drinking and exercising must be controlled [16] since hydration level is an important source of error in determining the flow of the electric current to estimate body fat.

The instructions for use of instruments typically recommended not making measurements soon after drinking or eating or exercising, or when dehydrated. Instruments require details such as sex and age to be entered, and use formulae taking these into account; for example, men and women store fat differently around the abdomen and thigh region.

Different BIA analysers may vary. Population-specific equations are available for some instruments, which are only reliable for specific ethnic groups, populations, and conditions. Population-specific equations may not be appropriate for individuals outside of specific groups.

There exist various anthropometric methods for estimating body fat. The term anthropometric refers to measurements made of various parameters of the human body, such as circumferences of various body parts or thicknesses of skinfolds.

Most of these methods are based on a statistical model. Some measurements are selected, and are applied to a population sample.

For each individual in the sample, the method's measurements are recorded, and that individual's body density is also recorded, being determined by, for instance, under-water weighing, in combination with a multi-compartment body density model.

From this data, a formula relating the body measurements to density is developed. Because most anthropometric formulas such as the Durnin-Womersley skinfold method, [18] the Jackson-Pollock skinfold method, and the US Navy circumference method, actually estimate body density, not body fat percentage, the body fat percentage is obtained by applying a second formula, such as the Siri or Brozek described in the above section on density.

Consequently, the body fat percentage calculated from skin folds or other anthropometric methods carries the cumulative error from the application of two separate statistical models.

These methods are therefore inferior to a direct measurement of body density and the application of just one formula to estimate body fat percentage.

One way to regard these methods is that they trade accuracy for convenience, since it is much more convenient to take a few body measurements than to submerge individuals in water. The chief problem with all statistically derived formulas is that in order to be widely applicable, they must be based on a broad sample of individuals.

Yet, that breadth makes them inherently inaccurate. The ideal statistical estimation method for an individual is based on a sample of similar individuals. For instance, a skinfold based body density formula developed from a sample of male collegiate rowers is likely to be much more accurate for estimating the body density of a male collegiate rower than a method developed using a sample of the general population, because the sample is narrowed down by age, sex, physical fitness level, type of sport, and lifestyle factors.

On the other hand, such a formula is unsuitable for general use. The skinfold estimation methods are based on a skinfold test , also known as a pinch test , whereby a pinch of skin is precisely measured by calipers , also known as a plicometer , [19] at several standardized points on the body to determine the subcutaneous fat layer thickness.

Some formulas require as few as three measurements, others as many as seven. The accuracy of these estimates is more dependent on a person's unique body fat distribution than on the number of sites measured.

As well, it is of utmost importance to test in a precise location with a fixed pressure. Although it may not give an accurate reading of real body fat percentage, it is a reliable measure of body composition change over a period of time, provided the test is carried out by the same person with the same technique.

Skinfold-based body fat estimation is sensitive to the type of caliper used, and technique. This method also only measures one type of fat: subcutaneous adipose tissue fat under the skin.

Two individuals might have nearly identical measurements at all of the skin fold sites, yet differ greatly in their body fat levels due to differences in other body fat deposits such as visceral adipose tissue: fat in the abdominal cavity.

Some models partially address this problem by including age as a variable in the statistics and the resulting formula. Older individuals are found to have a lower body density for the same skinfold measurements , which is assumed to signify a higher body fat percentage. However, older, highly athletic individuals might not fit this assumption, causing the formulas to underestimate their body density.

Ultrasound is used extensively to measure tissue structure and has proven to be an accurate technique to measure subcutaneous fat thickness. By making thickness measurements at multiple sites on the body you can calculate the estimated body fat percentage. Ultrasound equipment is expensive, and not cost-effective solely for body fat measurement, but where equipment is available, as in hospitals, the extra cost for the capability to measure body fat is minimal.

There also exist formulas for estimating body fat percentage from an individual's weight and girth measurements. For example, the U. Navy circumference method compares abdomen or waist and hips measurements to neck measurement and height and other sites claim to estimate one's body fat percentage by a conversion from the body mass index.

In the U. Navy, the method is known as the "rope and choke. The U. Army and U. Marine Corps also rely on the height and circumference method. Females are measured around the hips, waist, and neck.

These measurements are then looked up in published tables, with the individual's height as an additional parameter. This method is used because it is a cheap and convenient way to implement a body fat test throughout an entire service.

Methods using circumference have little acceptance outside the Department of Defense due to their negative reputation in comparison to other methods. The method's accuracy becomes an issue when comparing people with different body compositions, those with larger necks artificially generate lower body fat percentage calculations than those with smaller necks.

Body fat can be estimated from body mass index BMI , a person's mass in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters; if weight is measured in pounds and height in inches, the result can be converted to BMI by multiplying by These formulae are based on work by researchers published in peer-reviewed journals, but their correlation with body fat are only estimates; body fat cannot be deduced accurately from BMI.

Body fat may be estimated from the body mass index by formulae derived by Deurenberg and co-workers. Internal and external cross-validation of the prediction formulas showed that they gave valid estimates of body fat in males and females at all ages.

However — contrary to the aforementioned internal and external cross-validation —, these formulae definitely proved unusable at least for adults and are presented here illustratively only.

Still, the following formula designed for adults proved to be much more accurate at least for adults: [28]. Other indices may be used; the body adiposity index was said by its developers to give a direct estimate of body fat percentage, but statistical studies found this not to be so.

Please keep in mind that these are only rough estimates. The term athletic in this context refers to sports where low body fat is an advantage. Different sports have different requirements in terms of body composition.

In some contact sports such as American football or rugby, a higher body weight is generally seen as an advantage. In sports such as gymnastics, marathon running, and other weight-bearing activities, a lower body weight and high power-to-weight ratio are extremely important.

Therefore, in these sports both low body fat and low body weight are necessary. In sports such as body­building, increasing lean-body mass and increasing body weight without increasing body fat are desir­able.

No accepted percentage body fat standards exist for athletes. The ideal body composition is highly dependent on the particular sport or discipline and should be discussed on an individual basis with the coach, physiologist, and nutritionist or dietician. Body weight and body composition should be dis­cussed in relation to functional capacity and exercise performance.

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In general, men have a lower body fat to lean tissue ratio than women, which explains the differences in the ranges. Reproduction plays a role in the higher body fat percentages for women.

For ideal body fat percentages based on age, Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital gives the following guidelines for a healthy body fat percentage for men:. BMI is a numerical value of your weight in relation to your height, according to the American Heart Association. Each of these categories then corresponds to the following BMI ranges, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC :.

There are several BMI calculators online. For example, this BMI calculator from the CDC is appropriate for adults 20 years and older. If you think of BMI and body fat measurements as one tool you have available to help you track your progress, you may be less likely to get fixated on the results.

In other words, rather than being driven by reducing a particular number, you can be motivated to enhance your health by fueling your body with nourishing foods and taking steps to include some form of exercise into your daily routine.

Having this mindset can make it easier to understand and accept the issues and limitations that come with BMI and body fat percentages. For example, a muscular athlete may have a higher BMI because of extra lean mass and, consequently, could be categorized as overweight or obese.

Whereas someone with a lower weight and a much higher body fat to lean mass ratio could fall under the normal to healthy range. Body fat percentages, on the other hand, also have issues and limitations.

Eating healthy and being active is where you need to focus your energy. If you have any questions or concerns about your BMI or body fat percentage, consider talking with your doctor, a certified personal trainer, or registered dietitian.

They can help you understand your individual results and work with you to design a plan that fits your needs. There are several ways to find a certified personal trainer or registered dietitian in your area.

First, call around to the local gyms and ask about the credentials of their trainers. You want to look for trainers with certifications such as:. Bonus if they have a college degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or sports medicine.

You can also locate trainers through the websites of the certifying bodies. For example, ACE has a section on their website that allows you to search for trainers in your area. If you want to work with a dietitian, the most important credential to look for after their name is RD, which stands for registered dietitian.

Many RDs will also have several other credentials that indicate further training and expertise. Similar to ACE, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a tool that allows you to search for a registered dietitian nutritionist.

BMI and body fat measurements are two methods you can use to assess your body weight and composition. Eating nourishing foods, staying hydrated, exercising, and caring for your mental and spiritual health all play a critical role in shaping your journey to better health. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Is My Ideal Body Fat Percentage? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. How to calculate For women For men BMI calculator Issues with calculations When to talk with a pro Takeaway.

How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site.

To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Two persons of same height and weight may have the same Body Mass Index BMI but different body composition.

This is due to the difference in the amount and distribution of fat they have in their body. It is important to have a healthy amount of body fat to regulate body temperature, protect organs and stay energetic.

But having more than the required percentage of body fat can lead to serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases. If you want to feel fit and look fit; make sure you have less body fat and more muscle mass. An estimate of the amount of body fat that you need to lose is the first step in any successful weight loss program.

This calculator uses Hodgdon-Beckett formula, which is used by U. Navy, to calculate body fat percentage using tape measurements.

References Hodgson, J. and M. Beckett Prediction of percent body fat for U. Navy men from body circumferences and height. Report no. Beckett: Development of the DoD body composition estimation equations.

Report No. Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, Cal. My height is 5. Help me what is perfect weight and body fat Percentages according to my body. Thank you. my fat is 28 how can I reduce it suggest me i m also doing excercise in evening for 30 min.

this post is great.. but their are so many peoples who are very very thin and they want to become fat.. kindly post some blog for those peoples also who want to become fat.

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i have 21kg bf how to reduce it while doing nothing pls help. shivani03, India. View all Comments 8. Recommended Readings on Body Fat.

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Take this quiz to find out how much you know about your belly fat. Body Mass Index. The BMI calculator helps you assess your weight indicating if it is normal or if you are underweight or overweight, based on your height.

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