Your body’s density is then used to predict your body fat percentage. You are also weighed while you are on dry land, and the amount of air left in your lungs after you exhale is estimated or measured.Īll of this information is entered into equations to determine the density of your body. This technique weighs you while submerged under water after exhaling as much air as possible from your lungs. This method, also known as underwater weighing or hydrodensitometry, estimates your body composition based on its density ( 9). However, it’s often unavailable to the general population, fairly expensive and not feasible for regular testing. Instructional video: Here is a video showing how DXA works.ĭXA is more accurate than many other methods of assessing body fat percentage.The error rate ranges from 2.5–3.5% body fat ( 3). Accuracy: A DXA provides more consistent results than some other methods.Availability: A DXA is typically only available in medical or research settings.Disadvantages: DXAs are often unavailable to the general public, expensive when available and deliver a very small amount of radiation.Advantages: This method provides accurate and detailed information, including a breakdown of different body regions and bone density readings.It’s about the same amount you receive during three hours of your normal life ( 7).ĭXA is also used to assess bone density and provides detailed information about the bone, lean mass and fat in separate body regions (arms, legs and torso) ( 8). The amount of radiation from a DXA scan is very low. However, the accuracy of this method can vary widely and is not considered an ideal method of measuring body fat percentage.Īs the name implies, DXA uses X-rays of two different energies to estimate your body fat percentage ( 6).ĭuring a DXA scan, you lie on your back for approximately 10 minutes while an X-ray scans over you. Using body circumferences to estimate body fat is quick and easy. Instructional video: Here is a video showing examples of girth measurements.The error rate can be as low as 2.5–4.5% body fat, but it can also be much higher ( 3). Accuracy: The accuracy can vary widely based on your similarity to the people used to develop the equations.Availability: A flexible measuring tape is easily available and very affordable.Disadvantages: Body circumference equations may not be accurate for all people due to differences in body shape and fat distribution.These tools can be used at home and are portable. A flexible measuring tape and calculator are all you need. Advantages: This method is easy and affordable.For women, the circumference of the hips is also included ( 5). Measuring the circumference of certain body parts is a simple method of body fat estimation.įor example, the US Army uses a body fat calculation that simply requires an individual’s age, height and a few circumference measurements.įor men, the circumferences of the neck and waist are used in this equation. However, the accuracy depends on the skill of the person performing the assessment.īody shape varies from person to person, and the shape of your body provides information about your body fat ( 4).
PERCENT BODY FAT CALCULATOR HOW TO
Instructional video: Here is an example of a 7-site skinfold assessment.Įstimating body fat percentage with skinfold calipers is affordable and relatively simple once you know how to do it.Measurement errors can range from 3.5–5% body fat ( 3). Accuracy: The skill of the person performing the skinfolds can vary, impacting the accuracy.Availability: Calipers are affordable and easy to purchase online.Also, some people don’t enjoy getting their fat pinched. Disadvantages: The method requires practice and basic anatomy knowledge.They can be used at home but are also portable. Advantages: Skinfold calipers are very affordable, and measurements can be taken quickly.The specific sites used vary in men and women.įor women, the triceps, area above the hip bone and either the thigh or abdomen are used for the 3-site measurement ( 2).įor a 7-site measurement in women, the chest, area near the armpit and area beneath the shoulder blade are also measured.įor men, the 3 sites are the chest, abdomen and thigh, or the chest, triceps and area beneath the scapula ( 2).įor a 7-site measurement in men, the areas near the armpit and beneath the shoulder blade are also measured. Measurements are taken at either 3 or 7 different sites on the body.
PERCENT BODY FAT CALCULATOR SKIN
Skinfold calipers measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat - the fat underneath the skin - at certain body locations. Skinfold measurements have been used to estimate body fat for over 50 years ( 1).
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