Health & Fitness · Glossary
What is Body Fat Percentage?
Quick definition
The proportion of total body mass that is fat. A more accurate health metric than BMI for body composition.
Full explanation
Body fat percentage (BF%) is the share of your body mass that is fat tissue. Healthy ranges: Men 10–20%, Women 18–28% (athletes are lower). The US Navy method estimates BF% from waist, neck, and height (add hip for women) using a tape measure. DEXA scans, hydrostatic weighing, and BodPod give more accurate readings. BF% reveals what BMI misses: a muscular person might have BMI of 27 (overweight) but BF% of 14% (athlete). Visceral fat (around organs) is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat (under skin). Waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference are simpler proxies for dangerous visceral fat.
Related calculators
Calculators that use or explain Body Fat Percentage.
Related terms
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Last reviewed: June 15, 2026 • Category: Health & Fitness