Predicting Body Fat from Girth

Measuring body fat percentage is an easy method of discovering correct body weight and composition. Beneath the skin is a layer of subcutaneous fat, and the percentage of total body fat can be measured by taking the girth measurements at selected points on the body with a measuring tape.

Measurement Sites

Depending on your age and gender three body measurements (sites) can be used for determining your percentage body fat.

Age (years)
Gender
Site A
Site B
Site C
18 - 26
Male
Right Upper Arm
Abdomen
Right Forearm
 
Female
Abdomen
Right Thigh
Right Forearm
         
27 - 50
Male
Hips
Abdomen
Right Forearm
 
Female
Abdomen
Right Thigh
Right Calf

The measurement sites are as follows:

Girth

A - Upper Arm

B - Forearm

Girth

c - Abdomen
Girth

D - Hips

E - Thigh

F - Calf

Method

The method is as follows:

  • Based on your age range and gender determine the required three measurement sites from the table above
  • Record the measurements in centimetres of these three sites (A, B, C)
  • Use the calculator below to determine your percentage body fat

Percentage Body Fat Calculator

To obtain an estimate of the percentage body fat please enter your age range, gender, three site measurements (in the correct order A, B, C) and then select the 'Calculate' button.

 
Age -
Gender -
 
       
Measurements
Site A = cm
Site B = cm
Site C = cm
       
Estimated percentage body fat is - % (+- 2.5%)

The calculations are based on the tables provided in "Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al. Appendix F"

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon, how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Not a good predictor of percent body fat, however can be used to indicate changes in body composition over time.

Typical Scores

The average man has 15 to 17% body fat, while the average woman is between 18 and 22%. Typical scores for elite athletes are 6% to 12% for men and 12% to 20% for women.

The following table details the percentage body fat for male and female athletes for a variety of sports.

Sport Male Female
Baseball 12-15% 12-18%
Basketball 6-12% 20-27%
Canoe/Kayak 6-12% 10-16%
Cycling 5-15% 15-20%
Field & Ice Hockey 8-15% 12-18%
Gymnastics 5-12% 10-16%
Rowing 6-14% 12-18%
Swimming 9-12% 14-24%
Tennis 12-16% 16-24%
Track - Runners 8-10% 12-20%
Track - Jumpers 7-12% 10-18%
Track - Throwers 14-20% 20-28%
Triathlon 5-12% 10-15%
Volleyball 11-14% 16-25%
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Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

  • Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
  • Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
  • Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
  • Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
  • The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
  • Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
  • Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
  • Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
  • PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2

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