Body Composition

Percent Body Fat

Percent Fat

Percent fat computation

Percent fat
norms

Height weight tables are good predictors of risk in populations but are not always the best guide for individuals. People vary in body build. Two people may be the same height and weight but have markedly different amounts of fat. An active, muscular person can be over weight but not over fat. Likewise, a sedentary person can be within weight limits but be excessively fat.

A more precise and individual way to determine ideal weight is a percent body fat test. It is specific to your fitness level and build.

Measuring percent fat is also a better way to monitor body composition changes due to exercise. By increasing activity you build new muscle adding tone and shape to the body while reducing fat. This healthy change is not always reflected on the scales and people often get discouraged thinking they have not improved.

Percent Fat Computation

Enter data requested to determine your percent body fat and weight goal.

Name

Age

Sum skinfolds (mm)

Weight lbs.

Male Female

Percent body fat

Fat weight lbs.

Lean weight lbs.

Desired % fat to

Weight goal lbs. to
(goal based on desired percent fat
and current lean body weight)

Percent Body Fat Norms

Top

Risk Status	Men	Women
At increased risk	less than 5%	Less than 10%
Lean, low risk	5 to 15%	10 to 23%
Healthy range, upper limit	less than 20%	Less than 26%
Moderately over fat, moderate risk	20 to 24%	26 to 31%
Excessively over fat, high risk	25% or higher	32% or higher