The overall average body fat percentage in the United States is about 39.9% for women and 28.1% for men, so below these amounts would technically be “below average.” ...

Calculating body fat percentage isn’t always completely accurate, and there are many methods to try. We’ll talk about the healthy range for men and women, and the limitations.

For men, the average healthy body fat percentage can range from 8 percent to 18.6 percent. If it is below 8, it is dangerously low and if it is above 18.7, it is poor or dangerously high.

Body Fat Percentage: A Complete Guide. Subscribe To Newsletters. ... normal body fat percentage ranges that are generally considered healthy for both men and women are provided in the chart below.

Women seeking optimal fitness levels should aim for about 16 to 25 percent body fat, says Kathleen Laquale, Ph.D., athletic trainer at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts.

As a general rule, cisgender women need more essential body fat compared to cisgender men, who can safely hover between 6 and 24 percent body fat. Why? Put simply, child rearing, says Yen.

Body fat percentage is calculated by determining how much of a person’s weight is fat. A quick way to measure body fat percentage is to determine the circumference of the waist. Greater than 35 inches ...

Body fat percentage charts for men and women Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on April 3, 2025 Target body fat percentages ...