A basic way to measure body fat percentage is by using a soft tape measure like the kind youd use for sewing to record measurements of different parts of the body. Use a tape measure to determine your waist wrist hip and forearm circumference. Here are the 10 best ways to measure your body fat percentage. Then input your gender and measurements below to receive a body fat index based on average values. Height neck waist and hip circumference. The chart below shows the average body fat percentages of americans from samples between 19992004.
Body fat testing using neck and waist measurements based on parameters established by the navy are different for men and women. Focusing on body fat percentage instead of weight is much more useful to track fat loss progress. Higher levels of body fat may be dangerous for you. Fortunately you can estimate your belly fat and related health risks by simply measuring your waist circumference and calculating your waist to hip ratio. Body fat calculator estimate your body fat percentage and body fat mass. For men measure the circumference of the neck by placing a measuring tape directly on the skin just below the larynx also known as the adams apple and extend the tape horizontally all the way around the neck.
The measurements needed to compute body fat percentage using the covert bailey method for a male are. Although not as accurate as using skinfold measurements or electrical impedance measuring waist neck and for women hip circumferences provides an inexpensive alternative. If youre concerned about your measurements try to eat a balanced diet get more exercise and discuss your overall health with your doctor. This body fat percentage calculator uses the formula developed by the us. All measurements should be taken at their widest points and should be recorded in inches. Navy and requires four measurements.
The body fat index is not an indicator of fitness level since the calculation is made with no regard to height or weight. This data means that if your body fat percentage is lower than 31 for women and 24 for men you are in the average range and you have nothing to worry about. An easy and consistent way to measure body fat uses a tape measure and a scale. How to calculate body fat using waist measurement weight. At what bodyfat do abs show. The body fat percentage scales send a harmless electrical current up through your body to read the fat body mass fbm and lean body mass lbm to determine your percentage of body fat.
Navy body fat formula boy fat categorization advice on how to reduce body fat and information on precise methods for measuring the percentage of body fat. A hips b waist c forearm circumference and dwrist.