1. What Is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage 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 U.S. Navy body fat formula for women:

Where:

• \( waist \) — Waist circumference at narrowest point (cm)
• \( hip \) — Hip circumference at widest point (cm)
• \( neck \) — Neck circumference below larynx (cm)
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters

Explanation: The formula uses logarithmic transformations of body measurements to estimate body fat percentage based on U.S. Navy research data.

3. Importance Of Body Fat Measurement

Details: Knowing your body fat percentage helps assess health risks, track fitness progress, and set appropriate weight management goals. Healthy ranges vary by age and gender.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: For accurate results, measure circumference with a flexible tape measure while standing relaxed. Measure waist at narrowest point, hips at widest point, and neck below the larynx.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this method?
A: The U.S. Navy method is reasonably accurate (±3-4%) for most people when measurements are taken properly, though more advanced methods (DEXA, hydrostatic weighing) are more precise.

Q2: What are healthy body fat ranges for women?
A: Essential fat: 10-13%, Athletes: 14-20%, Fitness: 21-24%, Average: 25-31%, Obese: 32%+ (varies by age).

Q3: When should measurements be taken?
A: Morning before eating is ideal. Avoid measuring immediately after exercise or when bloated.

Q4: Why use logarithms in the formula?
A: Logarithms help normalize the relationship between body measurements and fat percentage across different body sizes.

Q5: Can men use this calculator?
A: No, this specific formula is for women only. Men should use a different equation that accounts for abdominal circumference.