Body fat percentage refers to the amount of weight you carry as stored fat, compared to your total body mass. A high percentage of body fat can increase your risk of certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Although even people with low body fat may develop health problems, 19 to 26 percent body fat is considered healthy for women under 40 years of age, compared to 10 to 20 percent for men, according to HealthStatus.com. Determining your body fat percentage is a relatively simple task you can complete in about five to 10 minutes.
Calculation for Men
Step 1
Weigh yourself on a personal scale. Multiply your weight in pounds by 1.082. Add 94.42 to the result.
Step 2
Measure the circumference of your waist with a tape measure. Multiply this measurement in inches by 4.15.
Step 3
Subtract the waist measurement calculation from the weight calculation to obtain your lean body mass. Subtract the lean body mass from your total weight in pounds to obtain your total body fat weight.
Step 4
Multiply your total body fat weight by 100 and divide this calculation by your total body weight to obtain your body fat percentage.
Calculation for Women
Step 1
Weigh yourself on a personal scale and multiply your weight in pounds by 0.732. Add 8.987 to this calculation.
Step 2
Measure the circumference of your wrist and divide this measurement in inches by 3.14. Measure your waist at your navel and multiply this measurement in inches by 0.157. Measure the circumference at the widest part of your hips and multiply the measurement in inches by 0.249. Measure the largest part of your forearm and multiply the measurement in inches by 0.434.
Step 3
Add the body weight, wrist and forearm measurement calculations. From that total, subtract the waist and hip measurement calculations to obtain your lean body mass.
Step 4
Subtract your lean body mass from your total body weight to obtain your total body fat weight.
Step 5
Multiply your total body fat weight by 100 and divide the result by your total body weight to obtain your body fat percentage.
Tips and Warnings
- There are several calculators available online to help you determine your body fat percentage without performing these calculations yourself.
Things You'll Need
- Personal scale
- Tape measure
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