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 U.S. Navy body fat formula for women:

Where:

• \( waist \) — Waist circumference at naval (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 circumference measurements to estimate body fat percentage based on U.S. 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 gender and age.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: For accurate results, measure circumferences with a flexible tape measure:

• Waist: At the navel while standing relaxed
• Hip: Widest circumference around buttocks
• Neck: Below the larynx with tape sloping slightly downward

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this method?
A: It's reasonably accurate (±3-4%) for most people but may be less precise for athletes, pregnant women, or those with unusual body compositions.

Q2: What are healthy body fat percentages for women?
A: Generally: Essential fat 10-13%, Athletes 14-20%, Fitness 21-24%, Average 25-31%, Obese 32%+.

Q3: When is the best time to measure?
A: Morning before eating, after using the bathroom, and before exercise for most consistent results.

Q4: How often should I measure?
A: Every 4-8 weeks to track progress, as daily fluctuations are normal but not meaningful.

Q5: Are there better measurement methods?
A: DEXA scans, hydrostatic weighing, and Bod Pod are more accurate but require special equipment.