1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Definition: Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat in your body compared to your total body weight.

Purpose: It's a more accurate indicator of fitness than body weight alone, as it distinguishes between fat and lean mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the U.S. Navy body fat formula:

Explanation: The formula uses circumference measurements and height to estimate body fat percentage based on naval research data.

3. Importance of Body Fat Measurement

Details: Knowing your body fat percentage helps with fitness goals, health assessments, and tracking progress more accurately than weight alone.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure circumferences at the narrowest point for neck and natural waist
• For women, measure hips at the widest point
• Stand straight and relax when measuring
• Measure in inches for accurate results

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this method?
A: The Navy method is reasonably accurate (±3%) for most people but may vary for athletes or those with unusual body shapes.

Q2: What's a healthy body fat percentage?
A: For men: 8-19% is healthy, for women: 21-33% is healthy (varies by age).

Q3: When is the best time to measure?
A: Measure in the morning before eating for most consistent results.

Q4: Why different formulas for men and women?
A: Women naturally carry more body fat, especially in hips, which the formula accounts for.

Q5: Can I use centimeters instead of inches?
A: The formula is calibrated for inches. Convert cm to inches by dividing by 2.54.