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:

A - Upper Arm

B - Forearm

c - Abdomen

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%

Athletic Body System

The majority of people would prefer the lean look of an athlete, and not only that, but it is also the look most people seem to find most attractive in the opposite sex.

With the groundbreaking 'Athletic Body System' you will discover step-by-step how to build a physique with a level of muscularity and leanness that you never thought possible. Well it is now 100% possible and it is 100% Guaranteed!

Select this link for more information on "Athletic Body System"

Associated Pages

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