Fat percentage vs BMI - can I get the % at home?

Question

In other words what is the difference between the 2 (fat % & BMI) ?

And can I get my % at home - w/o a nifty little fat measuring device?

Answer 1

Body Mass Index - is a number based on the person height and weight to determine the risks associated with central obesity.  the BMI does not differentiate between muscle and fat

Body Fat Analysis - an actual measurement of the amount of body fat and muscle.

* body fat analysis tells you everything that the BMI does and more.  you can have a healthy BMI and have an unhealthy amount of body fat.

Answer 2

Well, BMI is becoming more and more acceptable as a guideline for people to tell if their weight is a healthy one.  It's not perfect though...just a guideline.  Percentage of fat is much harder to determine by simple methods.  The calipers that you mentioned can give you a "ball park idea" but the only true way to tell is a water submersion device that the average Joe has no access to.  So...I'd use the BMI and be happy with it but understand it's weaknesses as a tool.