Body Fat Percentage?

__freckles__
__freckles__ Posts: 1,238 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
How do you guys calculate your body fat percentage? The new scale I bought supposedly tells you the percentage. When I step on it says 25.5%. But when I go to different websites where they want you to enter your inches I get things like 32-34%. So how do you guys calculate your body fat? I like the scale's number, but I think it's lying to me :).

Replies

  • pauljsaunders
    pauljsaunders Posts: 79
    Try this link step 4


    http://life.gaiam.com/article/how-calculate-your-ideal-body-fat-percentage
  • millsrobm
    millsrobm Posts: 62 Member
    http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/

    Has a couple of different body fat % calculators based on your actual measurements and weight (Not bmi as above which doesn't take into account your body structure or muscle mass). These are still just estimates however. A DXA scan or similar can be much more accurate but that can be costly. Your scales are completely unreliable.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    I have calipers that I use ..my scale also tracks it but I tend not to use that ..

    You can always use the old eye test and find pictures of different body fat % and compare....

    Online calculators are just that, calculators that are taking a guess...
  • stef_monster
    stef_monster Posts: 205 Member
    Here's a fun experiment I like to do every now and then: get up first thing, don't empty your bladder, and step on the scale. Ignore the weight number. Now go use the facilities and get back on, once again ignoring the weight and noticing how your BF% changed. Now go work out until your clothes are dripping and completely saturated with sweat and get on the scale. Drink until you aren't thirsty anymore, wait an hour, and get on again. If you don't get 4 wildly different numbers, your scale MIGHT have something in the way of consistency.

    Personally, I use the picture/ fit of my clothes method. I haven't messed with the calipers, but they seem to be the most accurate method that's affordable.
  • bobbystrongarm
    bobbystrongarm Posts: 72
    If you belong to a gym they can do the pinch test (skin fold) for you there. I know 24 hour fitness does this for free, I assume others do as well.

    There are ways to figure it out with a body tape measurer as well.

    I use a withings scale at home. I do not pretend it is 100% accurate, but it is seemingly consistent among its own measurements. In the least it is a nice bit of extra motivation.
  • j6o4
    j6o4 Posts: 871 Member
    I have calipers that I use ..my scale also tracks it but I tend not to use that ..

    You can always use the old eye test and find pictures of different body fat % and compare....

    Online calculators are just that, calculators that are taking a guess...

    Comparing yourself to pictures of different bodyfat percentage is more accurate than those online calculators and the number your scale gives you.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    women-body-fat-percentage.jpg
  • Legs_McGee
    Legs_McGee Posts: 845 Member
    My gym uses calipers.
  • fivethreeone
    fivethreeone Posts: 8,196 Member
    Short of a hydrostatic test or DEXA scan, calipers are your best bet. I was a little wary of my technique, but with a little practice I was able to get the exact same reading as the pro.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    use calipers

    track mm

    don't worry about %'s it gives you

    And you can't just look at pics either because different amounts of LBM will mean that people at the same % can look vastly different.

    http://forum.maximumfitnessconsulting.com/blog/?p=796

    men-both-10.jpg


    women-both-15.jpg
  • __freckles__
    __freckles__ Posts: 1,238 Member
    Thanks guys. I'll ask my gym if they use calipers. And according to those pics - my scale is totally lying to me. I'm more between 30-35%. 25% will be my goal. For now :).
  • Ariberri9
    Ariberri9 Posts: 206 Member
    I use this one:

    http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/

    But I agree with the others...ask people at your gym. In case you don't go to a gym, use that. It's also important to use the same calculator/resource every time because machines can differ and can be calibrated differently.
  • GenF32
    GenF32 Posts: 184 Member
    http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/

    Has a couple of different body fat % calculators based on your actual measurements and weight (Not bmi as above which doesn't take into account your body structure or muscle mass). These are still just estimates however. A DXA scan or similar can be much more accurate but that can be costly. Your scales are completely unreliable.

    HAHAHA that calculator told me I had 25% body fat. I freaking wish! :-)

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