Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage is the proportion of your total body mass that is adipose tissue. Women naturally carry more essential fat than men. Both very low and very high levels are associated with health risks. These percentiles are from US NHANES data, Americans tend to carry more body fat than European or Asian populations at the same age and BMI, so being 'average' here does not necessarily mean healthy. Read more on Wikipedia
Body Fat Percentage Norms by Age and Sex (%)
| Age | Sex | Percentile | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 95th | ||
| 20-29 | Male | 8 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 30 |
| Female | 16 | 20 | 25 | 31 | 40 | |
| 30-39 | Male | 10 | 14 | 19 | 24 | 32 |
| Female | 17 | 21 | 26 | 32 | 41 | |
| 40-49 | Male | 12 | 16 | 21 | 26 | 34 |
| Female | 18 | 23 | 28 | 34 | 43 | |
| 50-59 | Male | 13 | 17 | 22 | 27 | 35 |
| Female | 20 | 25 | 30 | 36 | 44 | |
| 60-69 | Male | 14 | 18 | 23 | 28 | 35 |
| Female | 21 | 26 | 31 | 37 | 45 | |
| 70-79 | Male | 14 | 18 | 23 | 28 | 35 |
| Female | 22 | 27 | 32 | 38 | 45 | |
| 80+ | Male | 13 | 17 | 22 | 27 | 34 |
| Female | 21 | 26 | 31 | 37 | 44 | |
What to expect by age group
Among US adults in their 30s, the middle 50% measure 14 to 24% body fat for men and 21 to 32% for women. Body fat increases gradually with age in both sexes, and women naturally carry around 7 to 8 percentage points more than men throughout adulthood. These percentiles reflect the US population, where obesity rates are among the highest globally, so norms skew higher than in most other countries. Scores below 14% (men) or 21% (women) are below average for the US population in this age group; scores above 24% (men) or 32% (women) are above average.
| Age | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 12 to 22 | 20 to 31 |
| 30-39 | 14 to 24 | 21 to 32 |
| 40-49 | 16 to 26 | 23 to 34 |
| 50-59 | 17 to 27 | 25 to 36 |
| 60-69 | 18 to 28 | 26 to 37 |
| 70-79 | 18 to 28 | 27 to 38 |
| 80+ | 17 to 27 | 26 to 37 |
Detailed Breakdowns
Select an age group and sex below for detailed percentile charts, tables, and ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy body fat percentage?
Healthy ranges vary by sex: typically 10-20% for men and 18-28% for women. Athletes may be lower; ranges increase slightly with age.
How is body fat percentage measured?
Methods include DEXA scans (most accurate), bioelectrical impedance scales, skinfold calipers, and hydrostatic weighing. Each has different accuracy levels.
Why does body fat percentage vary by sex?
Women naturally carry more essential fat for reproductive and hormonal functions. This biological difference accounts for the 8-10% difference in healthy ranges.
Why do these percentiles seem high?
This data is from the US population, which has one of the highest obesity rates globally. Research shows Americans carry 5 to 10 percentage points more body fat than Swiss or other European populations at the same age and BMI. A body fat percentage at the US 50th percentile would likely fall well above the median in most European or East Asian countries.