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Most body fat scales use a method known as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which sends a weak electric current through your body to determine your body composition.
They may also use data, such as your sex, weight, and height.
Compared with a typical bathroom scale, you’ll get a few more metrics than pounds and ounces.
In addition to measuring body fat, many body fat scales estimate other metrics of body composition, such as muscle mass, bone mass, and body water percentage, giving you access to more information to help you reach your goals.
If you’re looking for a scale that measure body fat and muscle and water, here’s our take on the best body fat scales of 2023.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.
Generally, list prices range from $19.97 to $149, though this may vary depending on available discounts and where you shop.
• BMI • basal metabolic rate (BMR) • body fat and water percentages • body weight • bone and muscle mass • body age • fat-free body weight • protein • skeletal muscle • subcutaneous fat • visceral fat
• BMI • BMR • body age • body fat • body water percentage • bone and muscle mass • fat-free body weight • protein • subcutaneous fat • skeletal muscle • visceral fat • weight
• BMI • BMR • body weight • body fat and water percentages • bone and muscle mass • fat-free body weight • metabolic age • protein • skeletal muscle • subcutaneous fat • visceral fat
We used the following criteria to select the products in this article:
Available measurements: All the scales provide additional measurements, such as muscle mass, bone mass, and body water percentage. These are often available in an app that interprets, tracks, and stores your data. You can use this information to monitor your health and fitness level.
Connectivity: Several scales offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect the scale to your smartphone or another device. Some models allow multiple users to set up profiles.
Additional features: Some scales offer features, such as a large display screen and compact design. Other models provide features, such as weather information and pregnancy tracking. Many scales can transfer data to health and fitness apps.
Price: We included body fat scales at several price points to suit different budgets.
Vetting: The scales on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
What’s the difference between a body fat scale and a regular scale?
A regular scale measures only your body weight in pounds or kilograms. A body fat scale measures your weight, but it also estimates your body fat percentage using a method called bioelectrical impedance (BIA).
Many body fat scales also provide details about other measures of body composition — such as your muscle mass, water weight, and bone mass — to help you keep tabs on your health.
Are body fat scales accurate?
Not necessarily. Home body fat scales tend to be inaccurate and overestimate or underestimate body fat percentage (BFP).
Body fat scales may give you a general idea of your BFP, and the results may be consistent even if they are inaccurate. However, they should not replace an evaluation by a healthcare professional, especially if you want to monitor health concerns.
A 2021 study tested the accuracy of three smart body fat scales and compared the results with values from dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), which is the gold standard of body composition.
The results showed that body fat scales underestimated body fat, though they accurately measured body weight.
Are body fat scales safe?
Yes, body fat scales are safe for most people to use. However, they are not recommended for children or pregnant people. If you want to use a body fat scale during pregnancy, many scales have specific pregnancy features that disable the body composition measurement.
If you have a pacemaker, talk with a healthcare professional before using a body fat scale.
What is the difference between BMI and body fat percentage?
BMI is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate your body fat. This measurement is meant to screen for high body fatness that may potentially lead to health problems. However, it doesn’t calculate your body fat percentage.
Body fat percentage is the actual percentage of your body weight that’s fat.
A body fat level that falls above or below these ranges may negatively affect your health. If you’re unsure whether your current body fat level is within a healthy range, consider speaking with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
They can answer any questions you may have about body composition and help you set up appropriate testing to measure your body fat.
Several body fat scales are available, each of which may measure different metrics of body composition.
Body fat scales also vary in price, connectivity, and weight capacity.
Be sure to consider all these factors and use this guide as a starting point to find a body fat scale that suits your needs.
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Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Marra M, et al. (2019). Assessment of body composition in health and disease using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA): A critical overview.
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
