Health & Fitness
What is a Body Fat Percentage? (%)
Definition
Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body weight that is made up of fat mass, as opposed to lean mass (muscle, bone, organs, water). It is a better indicator of body composition than BMI alone because it distinguishes between fat and muscle mass. Essential fat is necessary for bodily functions.
Common Uses
- › Assessing health and fitness
- › Tracking body composition changes
- › Setting fitness goals
- › Complementing BMI measurements
Converters
Key Facts
- Symbol%
- CategoryHealth & Fitness
- Essential fat (men): 2-5%
- Essential fat (women): 10-13%
- Athletes: 6-13% (M), 14-20% (F)
- Fitness: 14-17% (M), 21-24% (F)
- Average: 18-24% (M), 25-31% (F)
- Obese: 25%+ (M), 32%+ (F)
About the Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body weight that is made up of fat mass, as opposed to lean mass (muscle, bone, organs, water). It is a better indicator of body composition than BMI alone because it distinguishes between fat and muscle mass. Essential fat is necessary for bodily functions.
Equivalents and conversions
- Essential fat (men): 2-5%
- Essential fat (women): 10-13%
- Athletes: 6-13% (M), 14-20% (F)
- Fitness: 14-17% (M), 21-24% (F)
- Average: 18-24% (M), 25-31% (F)
- Obese: 25%+ (M), 32%+ (F)