FitCommit*
App- Accuracy
- No published FitCommit-specific margin
- Cost
- Unlimited scans included
- Time
- Take three photos and get your estimate
8 ways to measure body fat, from clinical DEXA scans to free tape measure methods. Compare accuracy, cost, convenience, and which method is right for your goals.
| Method | Type | Accuracy | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FitCommit* | App | No published FitCommit-specific margin | Unlimited scans included | Take three photos and get your estimate |
| DEXA | Clinical | +/- 1-2% | Check local provider pricing | 10-20 minutes |
| InBody | Gym | +/- 3-5% | $25-50 | 2-3 minutes |
| Bod Pod | Clinical | +/- 2-3% | $50-75 | 5-10 minutes |
| Hydrostatic | Clinical | +/- 2-3% | $50-100 | 15-30 minutes |
| Calipers | Gym | +/- 3-8% | $0-30 | 5-10 minutes |
| Navy Method | Home | +/- 3-5% | Free | 2-3 minutes |
| Smart Scales | Home | +/- 5-8% | $0 (after purchase) | 10 seconds |
Accuracy ranges on this page are directional estimates from body-composition research, not guarantees for a single scan. Each method measures a different proxy: X-ray absorption, electrical impedance, skinfold thickness, tape circumferences, air displacement, water displacement, or visual analysis. Use the same method under consistent conditions to track the trend, and use clinical testing when a medical or research-grade answer matters.
See how FitCommit's AI body scan compares to each measurement method on accuracy, cost, convenience, and tracking frequency.
Gold standard accuracy (+/- 1-2%). Check local provider pricing per test.
See full comparison →Good accuracy (+/- 3-5%). $25-50 per test.
See full comparison →Very good accuracy (+/- 2-3%). $50-75 per test.
See full comparison →Very good accuracy (+/- 2-3%). $50-100 per test.
See full comparison →Moderate accuracy (+/- 3-8%). $0-30 per test.
See full comparison →Rough accuracy (+/- 3-5%). Free per test.
See full comparison →Poor to moderate accuracy (+/- 5-8%). $0 (after purchase) per test.
See full comparison →Not sure which measurement method to use? Compare the most popular body fat testing methods head to head.
The Guides section covers DEXA scan cost, InBody scans, smart scale accuracy, at-home body fat tests, and body composition analysis one method at a time.
Read body fat testing guides →DEXA is the better choice when you need a clinical baseline. Home methods, including photo-based estimates, BIA scales, calipers, and tape measurements, trade clinical detail for convenience and should be used consistently for trends.
Pricing varies by method, provider, device, and location. The Navy method uses a tape measure, while DEXA and InBody pricing depends on the facility. FitCommit is an app subscription. Check current local or storefront pricing before choosing.
Yes. Home options include photo-based estimates, smart scales, skinfold calipers, and the Navy tape-measure method. Each has different limitations, so choose the method and protocol you can repeat consistently.
Each method measures a different physical property (X-ray absorption, electrical resistance, skin thickness, visual appearance). These different proxies produce different estimates. The key is to use the same method consistently so you can track changes over time.
For FitCommit, scan once a week at roughly the same time of day, in similar lighting and clothing. For clinical or facility-based methods, use the cadence recommended by the qualified professional helping you interpret the result.
Deficit levels with timelines and calorie targets for fat loss
Build muscle and lose fat at the same time
Visual reference for every body fat percentage for men and women
Plan meal timing around training, eating windows, and macro targets
How many calories you need per day by age, gender, and activity
Realistic timelines for any weight loss goal
Take three photos to estimate body fat and lean mass, then connect the result to TDEE, macro targets, and your weekly trend.
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