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❤️ Health
Is my body fat percentage normal?
See how your body fat compares to healthy ranges by age and sex.
%
From a DEXA scan, smart scale, or caliper test
What is a normal body fat percentage?
Body fat percentage is a much better indicator of health and fitness than BMI alone. Women naturally carry more essential fat than men.
ACE body fat categories — Men
- Essential fat: 2–5%
- Athletes: 6–13%
- Fitness: 14–17%
- Average: 18–24%
- Obese: 25%+
ACE body fat categories — Women
- Essential fat: 10–13%
- Athletes: 14–20%
- Fitness: 21–24%
- Average: 25–31%
- Obese: 32%+
How to measure body fat
- DEXA scan: Gold standard, ±1–2% accuracy
- Hydrostatic weighing: Very accurate, ±1.5%
- Calipers (skinfold): Good if done by a pro, ±3%
- Bioelectrical impedance (smart scales): Convenient but ±3–5%
- Navy method (tape measure): Free and ±3%
Body fat increases naturally with age. A 45-year-old man at 20% is in a different category than a 25-year-old at 20%.