Skinfold measurement equations can help produce a relatively accurate estimate of body fat as long as the measurements are taken correctly. The body fat percentage is a measure of fitness level since it is the only body measurement which directly calculates a persons relative body composition without regard to height or weight. Essential body fat is a base level of fat that is found in most parts of the body. The formula below will not calculate your exact body fat percentage. Typically youd need a scale or handheld device offering bioelectrical impedance analysis a personal trainer or friend who knows how to use skinfold calipers or know a facility or mobile business that offers hydrostatic weighing dual energy x ray absorbtiometry dexa or air displacement plethysmography adp. The amount of essential fat differs between men and women and is typically around 2 5 in men and 10 13 in women.

The widely used body mass index bmi provides a measure that allows the comparison of the adiposity of individuals of different heights and weights. It is necessary fat that maintains life and reproductive functions. Skinfold measurements have been used to estimate body fat for over 50 years skinfold calipers measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat the fat underneath the skin at certain body. If youre using the skinfold method but not having the same skilled professional do the measurements each time. Mens formula to compute a mans body fat percentage using this method you will need awaist circumference and bweight. Bf from skinfold measurements.

There are literally hundreds of equations available for converting skinfold measurements to a percent body fat measure for converting to rating scores see heremany equations firstly calculate body density using skinfold measures which can then be converted to a body fat percent amountit is best to use a formula that is based on a population sample that. There are several types of assessments to find a persons body composition. Convert body density to a body fat percentage using the siri equation which is the same for men and women. Body fat includes essential body fat and storage body fat. Your body weight and waist measurements are the most accurate just after you wake up from 7 8 hours of sleep. The most accurate way is underwater weighing but this formula should give you a consistent measurement you can use as a guideline so you can determine if youre losing body fat andor muscle.

Percent body fat 495body density 45 x 100 all this math can be tricky so keep in mind that there are always online calculators to help you figure it all out. Notice that the numerator in the above equation is the amount of fat in pounds that your body has. Two equations are required for this process one to estimate body density and one to estimate percent body fat from the body density. Body fat percentages on the other hand also have issues and limitations.

Gallery of Body Fat Measurement Equation