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How to Calculate Body Fat Using Waist Measurement & Weight

There are several ways to measure body fat. The most accessible method is to measure various body circumference dimensions and compare those against your weight. Since lean body weight is denser than fat body weight, the greater your circumference at a given weight, the higher your body fat percentage is likely to be.

There are various formulas out there for calculating body fat percentage. Here you will be using an equation developed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Depending on your sex, there are different measurements to be taken.

Circumference measurements are only moderately accurate in determining body fat percentage. If you have an atypical body shape, then the formula will yield an inaccurate result.

Things You'll Need

  • Tailor's measuring tape
  • Scale
  • Calculator
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Instructions

  1. If You Are Male

    • 1

      Measure your body weight in pounds. To get the most accurate reading, weigh in at the beginning of the day, undressed, after using the bathroom and before eating or drinking.

      Also measure your height in inches if you do not already know it, or if it has recently changed as a result of growth or surgery.

    • 2

      Measure your abdominal circumference at the navel, in inches, and round to the nearest half-inch. Don't suck in your belly.

    • 3

      Measure your neck circumference at the middle of your neck, in inches. Round to the nearest quarter-inch.

    • 4

      Enter the values for the dimensions you have measured into the following formula, or have it calculated for you at:
      <a href=http://www.machinehead-software.co.uk/bike/training/body_fat/body_fat_percentage.html>this website</a>

      Body Fat Percentage for Males =
      86.010 x log10(abdomen - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76

    If You Are Female

    • 5

      Measure your body weight in pounds. To get the most accurate reading, weigh in at the beginning of the day, undressed, after using the bathroom and before eating or drinking.

      Also measure your height in inches if you do not already know it, or if it has recently changed as a result of growth or surgery.

    • 6

      Measure your waist in inches at its narrowest point, and round to the nearest half-inch. Do not suck in your belly.

    • 7

      Measure your hips in inches at their widest point, and round to the nearest half-inch.

    • 8

      Measure your neck circumference at the middle of your neck, in inches. Round to the nearest quarter-inch.

    • 9

      Enter the values for the dimensions you have measured into the following formula, or have it calculated for you at:
      <a href=http://www.machinehead-software.co.uk/bike/training/body_fat/body_fat_percentage.html>this website</a>

      Body Fat Percentage for Females =
      163.205 x log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387

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