DEXA Body Fat Calculator

How This Calculator Works

This calculator uses a polynomial regression model trained on real DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan data collected at BodyStats locations. The model takes your BMI (derived from your weight and height) and age as inputs and produces an estimated body fat percentage.

Separate models were trained for male and female bodies, since body fat distribution and baseline levels differ significantly between sexes.

Understanding Your Results

Your estimated body fat percentage is displayed as a single best-guess value along with a 95% and 99% confidence range. The 95% range means there is a 95% probability your actual DEXA-measured body fat falls within that window. The 99% range is wider but provides near-certainty.

Body Fat Categories

The categories shown on the results bar are general guidelines based on widely referenced ranges from the American Council on Exercise (ACE):

• Essential Fat: 2–6% (men) / 10–14% (women) — the minimum needed for basic physical and physiological health.
• Athlete: 6–14% (men) / 14–21% (women) — typical of competitive and recreational athletes.
• Fitness: 14–18% (men) / 21–25% (women) — indicates an active, health-conscious individual.
• Average: 18–25% (men) / 25–32% (women) — acceptable range for general health.
• Obese: 25%+ (men) / 32%+ (women) — elevated health risk; consult a healthcare provider.

Limitations of This Calculator

While this model is trained on real DEXA scan data, it has important limitations you should understand:

• It uses BMI as a proxy. BMI cannot distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass. Muscular individuals may receive overestimated body fat values, while those with low muscle mass may receive underestimates.
• Individual variation is large. Two people with identical height, weight, age, and sex can have very different body fat percentages depending on genetics, training history, diet, and body fat distribution. The wide confidence intervals reflect this.
• The training population may not match you. Our scan data comes primarily from BodyStats clients in Canada. If your demographics or body type differ substantially from this population, accuracy may vary.
• It does not replace a DEXA scan. DEXA scanning measures your actual body composition with clinical-grade precision, including regional fat distribution, visceral fat, lean mass, and bone mineral density — none of which can be estimated from height, weight, and age alone.

What Is a DEXA Scan?

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is considered a gold-standard method for measuring body composition. During a scan, you lie on a padded table while a low-dose X-ray arm passes over your body. The scan takes approximately 7–10 minutes and provides a detailed breakdown of:

• Total body fat percentage
• Fat mass and lean mass by region (arms, legs, trunk)
• Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) — the fat around your organs
• Bone mineral density (BMD)
• Resting metabolic rate estimate

Book a DEXA scan at BodyStats →

Disclaimers