Two figures in, a clear answer out. The skinfold body fat calculator uses bicep measurement, subscapular measurement, suprailiac measurement, tricep measurement and one way to produce body fat percentage (%) and body density, applying the standard relationship for this problem in the order the calculation actually needs it.
What Is the Skinfold Body Fat Calculator?
The skinfold body fat calculator gives you an estimate of body fat percentage (%) and body density based on bicep measurement, subscapular measurement, suprailiac measurement, tricep measurement and one way.
It is a quick reference figure rather than a diagnosis, and it is most useful for tracking how a number moves over time rather than for interpreting a single reading.
How the Skinfold Body Fat Estimate Is Worked Out
The calculation follows published reference relationships, so it is a reasonable approximation when the inputs are accurate. It assumes an average adult and does not account for individual variation.
If you are comparing two people, or the same person over a period of weeks, keep the method and the inputs identical. A change in the method can easily look like a change in the person.
What This Calculator Does Not Do
It does not diagnose anything, and it does not replace advice from a clinician. If a figure comes out at an extreme, or if it differs sharply from what you expect, that is a reason to speak to a professional rather than to adjust the inputs.
Nothing you type here is stored or sent anywhere. The whole calculation happens in your browser.
A Worked Example
Working through an example, with bicep measurement set to 10, subscapular measurement set to 5, suprailiac measurement set to 2, the calculator returns body density of -, and body density (density male nineteen) of 1.0317, and body density (density male twentynine) of -. Substitute your own figures and the same steps produce the same kind of answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to work out body fat percentage (%)?
Enter bicep measurement, subscapular measurement, suprailiac measurement, tricep measurement and one way. The calculator then works through the relationship and reports body fat percentage (%) and body density.
What does the skinfold body fat actually calculate?
It takes bicep measurement, subscapular measurement, suprailiac measurement, tricep measurement and one way and converts them into body fat percentage (%) and body density using the standard relationship for this problem. Each step is applied in turn, so every output is traceable back to the numbers you typed in.
How should I enter bicep measurement?
Use the value you actually have, in the unit shown next to the field. Enter every value in the same unit system. The calculator assumes the figures you supply are consistent, so it cannot correct a mistake that happens before the calculation starts.
Can I use this for a quick estimate as well as a precise answer?
Yes. The calculator is built for quick checks, so round your inputs to a sensible number of significant figures and the result will be just as useful. If you need more precision, keep the same method and add digits to the inputs rather than adjusting the method itself.
Is the answer exact?
It is as exact as the formula and the inputs allow. The method itself is the standard one for this problem, so the only sources of error are the figures you enter and the precision you ask for.