How can you find what your body fat percentage is without a machine handy?

Answer 1

That is funny because I just posted a question about this!

I read in Shape magazine that you take your current weight and multiply by 730. Then, you divide by your height in inches. And you divide that number by your height in inches again.

My question was, this formula gave me a different answer than the BMI calculator I have. Not by 1%, but there was a 7% difference, which is huge!

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

There are only a few ways to really measure your bodyfat %:
Bioelectrical impedance device- would count as a "machine" but it's usually something like a handheld or incorporated into a scale and it sends a benign electrical current through your body and gives you a (very) rough estimate of your bodyfat %.
Calipers- you need to find a pair of calipers and either learn how to use them yourself or find someone trained with them to make the measurements to estimate bodyfat %.
Hydrostatic- probably the most accurate technique. You need to find a place that offers the service and basically they dunk you in water and do some math to figure out your bodyfat %. Usually costs a bit of $.

If you were to email me a pic of you in sorta skimpy clothes I could estimate for you. I have seen plenty of pics and have become good at estimating. If you're not comfortable with that then try one of the other techniques I posted.

Answer 3

You can use calipers and charts but that's not as accurate as the water displacement method.
BTW, your BMI is NOT the same as your body fat percentage. BMI does not take body fat percentage into account.

Answer 4

Here's a quick link that gives you a very rough estimate of your body fat.

http://www.stevenscreek.com/goodies/pi.shtml

If you are really trying to be detailed, try this link:

http://www.linear-software.com/online.html

These java applets will help you determine with a moderate degree of accuracy, what your bodyfat percentage is.

Please let me know if you need any further information prior to choosing the best answer!

Answer 5

Enter your height/weight in the spaces in this link.

http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm

Your BMI will automatically be calculated.
(Look to the left for your status on the results.)

Answer 6

hold you fat at your waist or hips between your thumb and 1st finger every inch equels 10 #'s

Answer 7

there is a hand instrument for measuring.
then there is the hand (you grab the fat and say "oh my")

Answer 8

iono