Health & Nutrition
Body Fat Percentage
Updated 2025-08-06
Definition
The share of total body weight made up of fat tissue, as opposed to muscle, bone, water, and organs. The American Council on Exercise classifies ranges by sex: for men, essential fat is 2-5%, athletes 6-13%, fit 14-17%, acceptable 18-24%, obese 25%+. For women the ranges shift higher: essential 10-13%, athletes 14-20%, fit 21-24%, acceptable 25-31%, obese 32%+. Common estimation methods include DEXA scans (most accurate), bioelectrical impedance scales, skinfold calipers, and the U.S. Navy formula, which uses only tape-measure circumferences.
Primary source: ACE body fat tool
Related Calculators
- Body Fat Percentage Calculator - Estimate your body fat percentage using the US Navy method based on body measurements.
- Lean Body Mass Calculator - Calculate your lean body mass (total weight minus body fat).
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