User Rating 0.0
Total Usage 1 times
Is this tool helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve.

About

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) calculates body composition by measuring the opposition to an electrical current flow through body tissues. This tool allows users with raw data from smart scales or medical devices to interpret their metrics. Muscle contains high water content and conducts electricity easily, while fat acts as an insulator (high resistance). Accuracy depends on hydration status, making it crucial to measure under consistent conditions. This calculator integrates established clinical equations to provide estimates for diverse populations.

body fat BIA fitness health biometrics

Formulas

The calculator estimates Fat-Free Mass (FFM) first, then derives Body Fat. The general form (Lukaski/Deurenberg) is:

FFM c1 Height2Resistance + c2 Weight + c3 Age + c4

Once FFM is known, Body Fat Percentage (BF%) is calculated:

BF% = 100 × (1 FFMWeight)

Reference Data

VariableSymbolTypical RangeImpact on Result
ResistanceR300 - 800 ΩHigher R usually indicates higher fat mass (less water).
ReactanceXc30 - 100 ΩReflects cell membrane integrity and capacitance.
HeightH150 - 200 cmSquared in the formula (H2/R) as the conductive path length.
HydrationWater50 - 65 %Dehydration increases Resistance, falsely elevating Body Fat %.
Deurenberg ConstkVariesAdjusts for age and gender differences in bone density.
Rush ConstkethVariesCorrection factor for Asian/Polynesian bone structure.
Impedance IndexZidx30 - 70Calculated as Height2Resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

BIA assumes your body is a cylinder of constant hydration. Drinking water lowers resistance, which the formula interprets as more muscle mass, lowering your estimated body fat percentage.
Resistance (R) measures the opposition to current flow through intra/extracellular water. Reactance (Xc) measures the delay caused by cell membranes acting as capacitors. R is the primary driver for fat estimation.
Consistency is key. The ideal time is in the morning, after using the toilet, before eating or exercising, to minimize hydration fluctuations.