1. What is Body Fat Percentage?

Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat in your body compared to your 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 US Navy body fat formula for women:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula uses logarithmic transformations of circumference measurements to estimate body fat percentage based on US Navy research.

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 differ by age and gender.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: For accurate results, measure circumferences with a flexible tape measure while standing relaxed. Waist should be measured at the narrowest point, hip at the fullest point.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this method?
A: The Navy method is reasonably accurate (±3-4%) for most people but may be less accurate for athletes, elderly, or those with extreme body types.

Q2: What's a healthy body fat percentage for women?
A: Generally 21-33% is healthy for women aged 20-40, with higher ranges acceptable for older women.

Q3: When should measurements be taken?
A: Best taken in the morning before eating, with normal hydration levels. Avoid measuring right after exercise.

Q4: Are there limitations to this method?
A: It doesn't account for fat distribution patterns and may underestimate fat in pear-shaped bodies or overestimate in apple-shaped bodies.

Q5: How often should I measure?
A: For tracking progress, every 2-4 weeks is sufficient as body fat changes slowly.