How to Figure Body Fat Percentage

Knowing your body fat percentage is very important when you are maintaining a healthy weight and dieting. Often this number is even more important than your weight! Follow these steps to figure out your body mass index, or BMI.

Things You'll Need

• Measurements of your body
• A calculator

Tips

1. Use the quick formula. Multiply your weight by 703. Figure out your height in inches, and square it. (In other words, multiply your height in inches by itself. If you are 60 inches tall, you would calculate 60 x 60.) Divide your weight number by your height number. This method may not yield a precise measurement, but it will give you a good ballpark figure of what your body fat percentage is.

2. Use a formula that takes more time and more measurements. This one is different for men and women. If you are a man, do these calculations:
(Your weight x 1.082) + 94.42 = Figure A.
Figure A - (the circumference of your waist x 4.15) = lean body weight.
(Total weight - lean body weight) x 100. Divide this result by your total weight, and this is your body fat percentage.

3. If you are a woman, do these calculations:
Your weight x 0.732 = Figure A.
Figure A + 8.987 = Figure B.
Wrist circumference / 3.14 = Figure C.
Waist circumference x 0.157 = Figure D.
Hip circumference x 0.249 = Figure E.
Forearm circumference x 0.434 = Figure F.
Figure B + Figure C = Figure G.
Figure G - Figure D = Figure H.
Figure H - Figure E = Figure I.
Figure F + Figure I = Lean Body Mass.
(Total weight - Lean Body Mass) x 100. Divide this result by your total weight, and this is your body fat percentage.

4. Use online calculators. Many web sites offer free body mass index calculators. All you have to do is input your measurements, and the web site will do the math for you!