There are numerous methods to estimate a person's body composition based on factors like skinfold thickness and underwater weight.. However, it is important to note that none of them actually measures percentage body fat (Howley & Franks, 2003, p. 99). The calculator provided below is no exception.
The calculator is based on the formula derived by the U.S. Naval Health Research Center to estimate a person's body fat from body circumferences and height (Hodgdon & Beckett, 1984). However, the formula is meant for Caucasians, and are thus, slightly inaccurate for Singaporeans. With this in mind, we have tweaked the formula slightly for improved accuracy.
Once again, please note that the calculator is just an estimation and not a perfect measurement. Use it as a reference to track your progress or for a rough gauge of your body composition.
Enter Your Measurements above and click Calculate.
| |
U.S Navy |
www.PT.com.sg |
| Percentage Body Fat |
|
|
|
|
Refer to the table below (Cotton, R. T., 1997) to see if you are within the recommened body-fat-percantage range.
|
Men |
Women |
| Essential Fat |
2% - 4% |
10% - 12% |
| Atheletes |
6% - 13% |
14% - 20% |
| Fitness |
14% - 17% |
21% - 24% |
| Acceptable |
18% - 25% |
25% - 31% |
| Obese |
>26% |
>32% |
|
References
Cotton, R. T. (Ed.) (1997). Personal Training Manual (2nd Edition). San Diego: American Council on Exercise.
Going, S. and Davis, R. (2001). Body Composition. In J.L. Roitman (Ed.), ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Excercise Testing and Prescription (4th Edition, pp. 391 - 440).Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Hodgdon, .J. and Beckett, M. (1984). Prediction of Percent Body Fat for U.S. Navy Men and Women from Body Circumferences and Height. Reports No. 84-29 and 84-11. San Diego, Cal: Naval Health Research Center
Howley, E. T., and Franks, B. D. (2003). Health Fitness Instructor's Handbook (4th Edition, p. 99). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
