Which BMI Calcularor is the best?

MammaC66

I am trying to get an idea of my fat percentage, and used both the Military and the Covert Baily calculators. I got a huge discrepancy between the two. The Military reading was almost twice as the other one. Which one is more accurate? Thanks for any help anyone can give.

popzork

I did both. I don't think they measure the same thing, although I'm not sure. But, I went to a registered dietician and got my body fat measured on that scale that they use. I found the military one the same day and the results were strikingly similar! I was shocked that plugging in numbers into a calculator could be so close to my actual readings.

That said, based on the military one, my ideal body weight puts me at 6 pounds heavier that the high end of the BMI chart. That also makes sense because at the military weight, I'm a size 8 - I'm a stocky person and have big bones.

So, I trust the military one, not the random numbers on the traditional BMI chart because it takes more into consideration.

lisablueeyes

Is there a
link I can use to check from the BMI ( military) ?

mmapags

Is there a free link I can use to check from the military ?

It's on the fat2fitradio website.

MammaC66

I used Fat 2 Fit Radio. I actually input more information into the Covert Baily one than the Military one. I don't see how the Military one takes into account frame size. I am wondering if I am not somewhere between the two.

Sarauk2sf

Neither are particularly good for a spot number and should only be used as an indication of progress. They do not take into account body composition and the accuracy will vary individual to individual. I would just pick one (or an average) for progress markers but if you want a more accurate measure you should get tested by way of hydrostatic testing (water body dunk) - this is not 100% accurate either, but it is one of the better ones.

ETA: what you are looking for is a BF (body fat) calculator, not a BMI calculator. A BMI is just a function of height. weight and sex and has nothing to do with body fat.

rose313

Are you looking for a body fat or BMI calculator? If it's body fat, use the one that has you measure your wrist size to determine your frame, it may also ask for your forearm size and waist size. The military one seems to way overestimate. The best way, though, is to get some calipers or have someone at your gym do it if they offer that service.

MammaC66

Thanks for all the input. The Covert Baily one did ask for wrist size and forearm, as well as weight, hip, and waist measurements. The military one only asks for neck, waist, and hip. I have a 7 1/2 inch wrist, and I know I have a large frame. I don't think the military one took that into account, but the other one suggested a goal weight that seemed way too high. IDK...