1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body Fat Percentage (BF%) is the proportion of fat to total body weight. It's a more accurate indicator of fitness than body weight alone, as it distinguishes between fat mass and lean body mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Siri equation:

Where:

• \( BF\% \) — Body fat percentage
• \( BD \) — Body density in g/cm³

Explanation: This equation converts body density measurements (typically obtained through hydrostatic weighing or other methods) into body fat percentage.

3. Importance of Body Fat Percentage

Details: Knowing your body fat percentage helps assess health risks, track fitness progress, and set appropriate weight management goals. Essential fat is about 10-13% for women and 2-5% for men.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter body density in g/cm³ (must be greater than 0). Typical body density ranges from about 1.025 to 1.100 g/cm³ depending on body composition.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is body density measured?
A: Common methods include hydrostatic weighing, air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod), or DEXA scans.

Q2: What are healthy body fat percentages?
A: For men: 6-24% (athletes 6-13%, fitness 14-17%, average 18-24%). For women: 16-30% (athletes 14-20%, fitness 21-24%, average 25-30%).

Q3: Are there other equations for BF%?
A: Yes, the Brozek equation (BF% = (457/BD) - 414.2) is also commonly used and gives slightly different results.

Q4: Can I estimate body density without special equipment?
A: Skinfold measurements with calipers can estimate body density using population-specific equations.

Q5: Why does this calculator only need body density?
A: Body density alone can estimate BF% because fat is less dense than lean tissue (fat ~0.9 g/cm³, lean tissue ~1.1 g/cm³).