DEXA Scan vs Bod Pod: Which Is Better?

Last updated: February 13, 2026

The Verdict

DEXA is more accurate but less accessible and more expensive. Bod Pod is more practical for regular use. Choose DEXA for periodic precision testing and Bod Pod for ongoing tracking. For an alternative that balances both, FitCommit AI body scan offers good accuracy at $3.99/month from your phone.

Quick Overview

DEXA Scan

Gold standard accuracy

Accuracy+/- 1-2%

Cost$75-150

Time10-20 minutes

WhereClinics and medical facilities only

Bod Pod

Very good accuracy

Accuracy+/- 2-3%

Cost$50-75

Time5-10 minutes

WhereUniversities, sports labs, some clinics

How Each Method Works

DEXA Scan

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry uses two X-ray beams at different energy levels to measure bone mineral density, lean tissue, and fat tissue. You lie on a table for 10-20 minutes while the scanner passes over your body.

Bod Pod

Air displacement plethysmography measures body volume by detecting changes in air pressure inside a sealed egg-shaped chamber. Combined with body weight, it calculates body density and estimates fat vs lean mass.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Category	DEXA	Bod Pod	Winner
Accuracy	Gold standard (+/- 1-2%)	Very good (+/- 2-3%)	DEXA
Cost	$75-150	$50-75	Tie
Convenience	Clinics and medical facilities only	Universities, sports labs, some clinics	Tie
Time Per Test	10-20 minutes	5-10 minutes	Tie
Tracking Frequency	Quarterly	Quarterly	Tie

Pros and Cons

DEXA

Pros

✓Gold standard accuracy for body composition measurement.
✓Measures regional fat distribution (where fat is stored).
✓Also measures bone mineral density.
✓Consistent results between different machines and operators.
✓Accepted in clinical research and medical settings.

Cons

×$75-150 per scan makes frequent tracking expensive.
×Requires an appointment at a clinic or imaging center.
×Low-level radiation exposure (minimal but present).
×Results can shift based on hydration status.
×Not available in most gyms. Limited locations.

Bod Pod

Pros

✓Very accurate, close to DEXA-level precision.
✓No radiation exposure. Safe for repeated use.
✓Quick test (about 5 minutes in the pod).
✓Good for tracking changes over time with consistent conditions.
✓Used extensively in sports science research.

Cons

×Very limited availability. Mostly at universities and research facilities.
×$50-75 per session is expensive for regular tracking.
×Requires sitting in a small enclosed pod (claustrophobia issue).
×Must wear minimal clothing (swim cap, compression shorts).
×Results affected by body temperature and recent exercise.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose DEXA if:

✓Baseline measurements when starting a fitness program.
✓People who need clinical-grade accuracy for medical reasons.
✓Quarterly check-ins for serious athletes or bodybuilders.

Choose Bod Pod if:

✓Athletes with access through a university or sports program.
✓People who want high accuracy without radiation.
✓Research participants or competitive bodybuilders.

Want an Easier Option?

FitCommit measures body fat from your phone camera in 60 seconds. No clinic visits, no equipment, no appointments. Good accuracy (+/- 3-5%) at $3.99/month for unlimited scans. Also calculates TDEE, macros, and transformation timelines.

Try FitCommit Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to measure body fat?

The Navy method (tape measure) is free. Skinfold calipers cost $10-30 once. Smart scales cost $30-100 once. FitCommit costs $3.99/month. Clinical methods cost $25-150 per scan. The cheapest accurate option depends on whether you value precision or just need a trend.

Do body fat scales actually work?

BIA scales measure something real (electrical impedance), but the conversion to body fat percentage is inaccurate, often off by 5-8%. They are better at tracking weight than body fat. If you use one, test at the same time daily and look at weekly averages, not individual readings.

Which body fat measurement method is most accurate?

DEXA scan is the gold standard (+/- 1-2%). Bod Pod and hydrostatic weighing are close (+/- 2-3%). InBody and AI scans are good for tracking (+/- 3-5%). Calipers depend on the tester (+/- 3-8%). Home BIA scales are the least accurate (+/- 5-8%).

Why do different methods give different body fat numbers?

Each method measures a different proxy for body fat. DEXA uses X-rays, BIA measures electrical resistance, calipers measure skin thickness, and AI analyzes visual appearance. They all estimate body fat through different physical properties, which produces different numbers.

Related Guides

Cutting Guide

6 deficit levels with timelines and calorie targets for fat loss phases

Bulking Guide

3 surplus levels with timelines and calorie targets for muscle gain phases

Weight Loss Timeline

Exact timelines for losing 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100 pounds at different deficit levels

Calorie Guide

Understand deficit and surplus percentages with TDEE calculations

Get Your Body Fat Percentage in 60 Seconds

AI body scan from your phone camera. Body fat percentage, lean mass, TDEE, and macros. No equipment. No gym. Free 7-day trial.

Try FitCommit Free

DEXA Scan vs Bod Pod: Which Is Better?

Last updated: February 13, 2026

The Verdict

Quick Overview

DEXA Scan

Gold standard accuracy

Accuracy+/- 1-2%

Cost$75-150

Time10-20 minutes

WhereClinics and medical facilities only

Bod Pod

Very good accuracy

Accuracy+/- 2-3%

Cost$50-75

Time5-10 minutes

WhereUniversities, sports labs, some clinics

How Each Method Works

DEXA Scan

Bod Pod

Head-to-Head Comparison

Category	DEXA	Bod Pod	Winner
Accuracy	Gold standard (+/- 1-2%)	Very good (+/- 2-3%)	DEXA
Cost	$75-150	$50-75	Tie
Convenience	Clinics and medical facilities only	Universities, sports labs, some clinics	Tie
Time Per Test	10-20 minutes	5-10 minutes	Tie
Tracking Frequency	Quarterly	Quarterly	Tie

Pros and Cons

DEXA

Pros

✓Gold standard accuracy for body composition measurement.
✓Measures regional fat distribution (where fat is stored).
✓Also measures bone mineral density.
✓Consistent results between different machines and operators.
✓Accepted in clinical research and medical settings.

Cons

×$75-150 per scan makes frequent tracking expensive.
×Requires an appointment at a clinic or imaging center.
×Low-level radiation exposure (minimal but present).
×Results can shift based on hydration status.
×Not available in most gyms. Limited locations.

Bod Pod

Pros

✓Very accurate, close to DEXA-level precision.
✓No radiation exposure. Safe for repeated use.
✓Quick test (about 5 minutes in the pod).
✓Good for tracking changes over time with consistent conditions.
✓Used extensively in sports science research.

Cons

×Very limited availability. Mostly at universities and research facilities.
×$50-75 per session is expensive for regular tracking.
×Requires sitting in a small enclosed pod (claustrophobia issue).
×Must wear minimal clothing (swim cap, compression shorts).
×Results affected by body temperature and recent exercise.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose DEXA if:

✓Baseline measurements when starting a fitness program.
✓People who need clinical-grade accuracy for medical reasons.
✓Quarterly check-ins for serious athletes or bodybuilders.

Choose Bod Pod if:

✓Athletes with access through a university or sports program.
✓People who want high accuracy without radiation.
✓Research participants or competitive bodybuilders.

Want an Easier Option?

Try FitCommit Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to measure body fat?

Do body fat scales actually work?

Which body fat measurement method is most accurate?

Why do different methods give different body fat numbers?

Related Guides

Cutting Guide

6 deficit levels with timelines and calorie targets for fat loss phases

Bulking Guide

3 surplus levels with timelines and calorie targets for muscle gain phases

Weight Loss Timeline

Exact timelines for losing 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100 pounds at different deficit levels

Calorie Guide

Understand deficit and surplus percentages with TDEE calculations

Get Your Body Fat Percentage in 60 Seconds

AI body scan from your phone camera. Body fat percentage, lean mass, TDEE, and macros. No equipment. No gym. Free 7-day trial.

Try FitCommit Free