How to Estimate Body Fat Percentage
Many health experts believe that a person's body fat percentage is a more accurate prediction of the overall health picture than other figures, such as body mass index or height and weight. To get a truly accurate reading of your body fat percentage you would ordinarily need special machines and professional assistance; however, the U.S. Navy developed a formula by which you can estimate your body fat percentage with only a small percentage of error.
Instructions
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Go to the Health Status online body fat percentage calculator under "Resources." Input your gender and height from the selections in the drop-down menus.
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Step on your scale and weigh yourself. Since your weight can vary from day to day, input your current average if you know it. Type your weight in pounds into the form.
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Measure your waist in inches at the narrowest point using a cloth measuring tape. The tape should be snug but not pulled tight enough to cause any bulging. Measure in front of a mirror to make sure that the tape is going straight across your back for an accurate measurement.
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Loosen the tape and lower it to measure around your waist at the height of your belly button. Look at the tape and adjust it so that it is level all the way around. Input the measurement into the form where it asks for "Waist size at your navel."
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Place the tape around your hips at their widest point, and record the measurement in inches in the online form.
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Measure around the narrowest part of your neck. Look in a mirror to see where your neck is narrowest. Input the measurement into the form.
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Click "Calculate." The online calculator will provide you with two numbers. The first number is determined using the U.S. Navy's formula for estimating body fat. The second number is the formula developed by the YMCA. In either case, your actual body fat percentage may vary anywhere from 1 percent to 5 percent. If you are in excellent shape, you may be from 1 percent to 3 percent lower than the figures provided. If you are not physically fit, add a few percentages to the figures estimated.
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References
Resources
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