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How to Measure Body Fat Using the Lean Body Mass Formula

Embarking on a new diet or workout regimen is a challenging endeavor, one that requires the proper planning. To reach your destination, you need to be clear on your starting point, so it can be helpful to determine your total body fat at the outset. It's not difficult to figure out: your lean body mass is your total body weight minus your body fat in lbs., so you can use the lean body mass formula to determine your total body fat and body fat percentage.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Scale
  • Calculator
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Instructions

  1. For Men

    • 1

      Weigh yourself on a scale, and measure your waist with the measuring tape. Write these numbers down.

    • 2

      Multiply your body weight by 1.082 and add it to 94.42. Write that figure down as "Result 1."

    • 3

      Multiply your waist measurement by 4.15, and subtract it from Result 1. This is your lean body weight.

    • 4

      Subtract this result from your total body weight, and that will tell much how much fat you have in lbs. Multiply that figure by 100 and divide it by your total bodyweight to get your body fat percetnage.

    For Women

    • 5

      Stand on the scale, and write down your weight. Use the measuring tape to take measurements of your wrist, waist, forearm and hips.

    • 6

      Multiply your weight by .732, and then add it to 8.987, and denote it as "Result 2."

    • 7

      Divide your wrist measurement by 3.14 (Result 3), your waist measurement by .157 (Result 4), your hip measurement by .249 (Result 5) and your forearm measurement by .434 (Result 6).

    • 8

      Add Result 2 and Result 3 to make Result 7, and subtract Result 4 from it and then Result 5 to make Result 9. Add Result 2 and Result 3 to make Result 7, and subtract Result 4 from it and then Result 5 to make Result 9. Add Result 6 to Result 9. This figure is your lean body mass.

    • 9

      Subtract this figure from your total body weight to determine how much fat you have in lbs. Multiply it by 100 and divide it by your body weight to get a body fat percentage.

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