
Hydrostatic weighing (that requires the person to get submerged under water to compare his/her weight out of water), and Bod Pod machine are two accurate but expensive methods to calculate the percentage of body fat.Ī very simple calculator used to measure body fat is the one that considers a person’s height and waist circumference. This scan is a preferred method of estimating body fat because it also considers bone weight in its calculations.

#Percentage of body fat calculator skin
Calipers (clamps) are used to gather the skin folds at various junctures of the body and the health professionals then apply certain equations to estimate the quantum of fat in the body by measuring the thickness of the folds.Īnother oft-used method is the DEXA scan i.e., Dual x-ray absorptiometry scan. The commonest method of measuring body fat is, using calipers. For optimum accurate results, it is best to consult trained professionals for this purpose. There are several methods to measure one’s body fat. This differentiation is essential because while the former weight gain is healthy and appropriate, the latter denotes the person not being in the best of health, and perhaps even at risk for ailments like diabetes, heart disease, and musculoskeletal disorders, among others.Īs seen above, it is necessary to differentiate between weight attributable to lean muscle and body fat, to determine the correct cause of excessive weight or obesity, if it is prevalent in a person. However, the BMI calculator cannot differentiate between weight gained by lean muscle and weight gained by body fat. Tools like the BMI calculator showcase the body’s mass index by taking into account this overall weight and the person’s height. When we measure a person’s weight, it shows the collective weight contributed by all these factors.

These include bones, body fluids, muscle, and fat. The human body is made up of several elements, all of which collectively contribute to its overall weight.
