How to Measure Body Fat Percentage (And Why It Matters)
Your weight alone doesn't tell you how healthy or lean you are — body fat percentage does. It reveals how much of your body is fat versus lean mass, giving a far more meaningful picture of your progress than the scale.
Common measurement methods
- Skinfold calipers — cheap and reasonably accurate with practice
- Bioelectrical impedance scales — convenient but variable
- DEXA scan — very accurate but costly
- Tape measurements + formulas — free and trackable
- Visual comparison charts — rough but useful
Accuracy vs consistency
No at-home method is perfectly accurate. What matters more is consistency — use the same method, at the same time of day, under the same conditions, and track the trend over time rather than obsessing over a single number.
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Healthy body fat ranges
General healthy ranges are roughly 10-20% for men and 18-28% for women, with athletes often lower. Extremely low body fat isn't healthier — some fat is essential for hormones and function.
The takeaway
Body fat percentage beats bodyweight as a progress metric. Pick one method, measure consistently, and track the trend. Combined with photos and strength, it gives you the full picture.
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See Your Progress Clearly
Log weight, measurements and PRs, then watch your progress come alive with visual analytics — free on your phone.
