Percentage of Body Fat Calculator

Body Fat Percentage Formula:

\[ \text{Body Fat \%} = \frac{\text{Fat Mass}}{\text{Total Mass}} \times 100 \]

Body Fat Percentage:

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1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Definition: Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat mass to total body mass, expressed as a percentage.

Purpose: It's a key health metric that helps assess body composition, fitness level, and potential health risks.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \text{Body Fat \%} = \frac{\text{Fat Mass}}{\text{Total Mass}} \times 100 \]

Where:

Fat Mass — Weight of body fat in kilograms
Total Mass — Total body weight in kilograms

Explanation: The fat mass is divided by total mass to get the ratio, then multiplied by 100 to convert to percentage.

3. Importance of Body Fat Percentage

Details: Unlike BMI, body fat percentage distinguishes between fat and lean mass, providing a more accurate health assessment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your fat mass and total body mass in kilograms. Both values must be > 0 and fat mass cannot exceed total mass.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a healthy body fat percentage?
A: For men: 6-24%, women: 16-30% (varies by age and fitness level).

Q2: How can I measure my fat mass?
A: Methods include skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance scales, DEXA scans, or hydrostatic weighing.

Q3: Why is body fat percentage better than BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle, while body fat percentage directly measures fat content.

Q4: How often should I check my body fat percentage?
A: Monthly measurements are sufficient to track changes without being affected by daily fluctuations.

Q5: Can body fat percentage be too low?
A: Yes, essential fat is 2-5% for men, 10-13% for women. Going below these levels can cause health problems.