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Body-fat percentage
The share of your weight that is fat — a better body-composition measure than BMI.
Measures
Definition
Body-fat percentage is the proportion of total body weight made up of fat tissue. Unlike BMI it distinguishes fat from muscle, so it describes body composition better, but it is harder to measure accurately: home scales using bioimpedance can be off by several points and are best used to watch a trend. A rough healthy range is often given as about 10–20% for men and 18–28% for women, with essential fat below that and fitness ranges varying by age.
Related terms
Body mass index (BMI)
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared; a rough screening tool.
Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
The energy your body burns at complete rest just to stay alive.
Source: Standard references on body composition; home measurements are approximate. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is body-fat percentage?
Body-fat percentage is the proportion of total body weight made up of fat tissue. Unlike BMI it distinguishes fat from muscle, so it describes body composition better, but it is harder to measure accurately: home scales using bioimpedance can be off by several points and are best used to watch a trend. A rough healthy range is often given as about 10–20% for men and 18–28% for women, with essential fat below that and fitness ranges varying by age.
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