How to Calculate Body Fat Percentage

A number of different options exist to calculate body fat percentage. Which method is the best body fat index calculator?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, such as cost and accuracy. Perhaps you want the most accurate results but cannot afford to dish out a lot of money.

I will discuss a number of different techniques below. You can decide for yourself which is the best route to go.

Height Weight Tables

With the chart, you look for your height and weight and find the point at which they intersect. You will then have your percent body composition.

Maybe you are one of the many people to fall outside of the "ideal" range for healthy. I know I always rode along the overweight line in high school. Sad part about it is, I look back at those pictures and I didn't have an ounce of fat on me.

So what's wrong with this picture?

The height and weight charts do not take into account muscle mass or fat mass. Arnold Schwarzennger in his prime most likely ran into the overweight and obese category. But one look at Mr. Olympia would show quite the contrary.

Excess weight is not caused by an overabundance of fat but rather an excess of muscle.

Anything that asks your height and weight is only using a height weight chart and should not be trusted. Especially true if you are an athlete.

Body Mass Index

BMI does not calculate body fat percentage. However, it is slightly more reliable than the height and weight charts. It simply uses a formula:

BMI = Body Mass in kg/(Height in meters x Height in meters)

A person weighing 60kg and is 160cm tall would have a BMI of:

60/(1.6 x 1.6) = 23.44

So now you have figured out your BMI, but what does that mean?

Your BMI tells you your association with diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. As your BMI increases, your chance of developing these disease increases.

Great right? Wrong. BMI, unfortunately, is also inaccurate for most athletes for the same reason mentioned above. Since there is no consideration for body fat there is no consideration for muscle mass.

Skinfold Measurements

The skinfold method:

• Calculates body fat percentage

• Is easy to use

• Cost effective

• Can be done in the privacy of your home

• Is accurate and reliable

With all methods there are some downsides. The results are more accurate with the experience of the examiner. Also, a number of calculations can be used to determine body fat. The wrong one can lead to an incorrect results. Lastly, skinfolds are difficult to determine on your own body. You may have to ask a friend to help

Body Fat Scales

Body fat scales are affected by body water, skin temperature, and recent physical activity. These can adversely affect your results. It is best to make sure you drink plenty of water every day, and weight yourself a least an hour after physical activity to get the most accurate results.

Even if you follow the above advice, there is the matter of calculations. Unfortunately, you can not choose which one to use, it is already programmed in by the manufacturer. You have to hope they put the right one in for you.

Many scales come with options for adult, child, and athlete. You just have to read the label.

If your scared of calipers and want a fast and easy way to calculate body fat pecentage, body fat scales are the way to go.

Learn more about Body Fat Scales.

Hydrostatic Weighing

Hydrostatic weighing is expensive and time consuming. It is also difficult to find a facility that performs this method. Some universities and large gyms have them, so you may want to check out their websites to find out.

Hydrostastic weighing requires your body to be completely submerged in water. This causes the water volume to change. The change in volume tells the technician your body density. They then use an equation to calculate body fat pecentage from your body density.

Real CSI stuff here.

The Bottom Line

If you don't feel comfortable using calipers, some gyms will determine your skinfold measurements for a fee. Or you could just pick up one of the body fat scales and call it a day.

The following articles will help you learn more on how to calculate body fat percentage:

Body Fat Scales - Learn about one of the easiest and most convenient way to determine body fat.

Body Fat Calipers - Learn about skinfold testing for calculating body fat.

BMI Chart & BMI Calculator - Calculate you BMI with our BMI chart and our FREE BMI Calculator.