Best (inexpensive) way to measure BMI?

slim4health56

I had my BMI calculated through a weight loss program about 15 years ago (over 36% and I weighed 20 lbs less than what I weigh now - gross, I know. Are there any reliable, INEXPENSIVE tools available out there? Yes, my health is important, but I'm also really watching the budget right now.

DragonSquatter

I assume you mean your body fat percentage not BMI. BMI is calculated by your weight and height.

I use tailor's tape and measure. You can estimate your body fat percentage here:

http://www.linear-software.com/online.html

When you use that link, click on "tape" to get the measurements version of the calculator.

If you're only looking to track progress, this is a good method, but the most accurate measurements come from body scans like a DEXA. Those can be expensive.

myofibril

What's your budget (presuming you are actually looking to calculate your BF%)

Bodpod can be a good half way house especially if you look to do it at University facility.

jjrichard83

BMI is pretty garbage for most people...

Mokey41

I'm assuming you mean body fat % not BMI. You can find lots of calculators online that you use your measurements to get a rough idea. Someone at a gym usually knows how to use calipers to test. The most reliable and exact measurements will be medical testing that usually cost $100 or more.

I wouldn't worry about your BF% too much until you get close to goal weight and then you may want to tweek some things to achieve a certain %.

tomomatic

If you really want to do it, there are some body fat scales on Amazon. I have one, and it's mostly a waste of money... but it only cost $40. As you become more fit, it becomes less accurate. There's a different calculation for athlete vs normal person. I know that my % Body fat is somewhere in between those two numbers. I went to a gym and had it done and it showed something that was wildly different.

If you really want to track progress, do it with a tape measure. Waist, chest, arms, legs.

ksuh999

A BF% analysis with calipers should cost about $50.

slim4health56

Yes, I did mean body fat, not BMI. Thank you! I'm learning lots from you folks!

I can't really spend more than $50, and don't want to spend any if it's a waste.

If it really doesn't matter, then I'll not fret about this. I was just trying to see all the variables and know weight alone can be deceiving. I've been at this for about a month and my goal for this month was to lose 10 lbs and limber up so I can really start working on my body to strengthen and tone.

DragonSquatter

Yes, I did mean body fat, not BMI. Thank you! I'm learning lots from you folks!

I can't really spend more than $50, and don't want to spend any if it's a waste.

If it really doesn't matter, then I'll not fret about this. I was just trying to see all the variables and know weight alone can be deceiving. I've been at this for about a month and my goal for this month was to lose 10 lbs and limber up so I can really start working on my body to strengthen and tone.

I would advocate for tracking your measurements and using an online body fat calculator as you go. Sometimes the scale won't budge, but your measurements will. It's important to track both.

jwdieter

Here's an easy and cheap way to get a ballpark figure:

http://www.builtlean.com/2012/09/24/body-fat-percentage-men-women/

19bulldog60

BMI is Body Mass Index ( or body fat % )

---

MFP has one available for use. It is a calculators based of weight and height. It is cheap because its free. Will get you a ballpark figure.

skullshank

tape measure to measure your BM