DEXA Scan vs InBody (BIA Machine): Which Is Better?

Last updated: February 13, 2026

The Verdict

DEXA is more accurate but less accessible and more expensive. InBody is more practical for regular use. Choose DEXA for periodic precision testing and InBody 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

InBody (BIA Machine)

Good accuracy

Accuracy+/- 3-5%

Cost$25-50

Time2-3 minutes

WhereGyms, clinics, wellness centers

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.

InBody (BIA Machine)

InBody uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) by sending small electrical currents through your body via hand and foot electrodes. It measures resistance to estimate water content, lean mass, and fat mass across different body segments.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Category	DEXA	InBody	Winner
Accuracy	Gold standard (+/- 1-2%)	Good (+/- 3-5%)	DEXA
Cost	$75-150	$25-50	InBody
Convenience	Clinics and medical facilities only	Gyms, clinics, wellness centers	InBody
Time Per Test	10-20 minutes	2-3 minutes	Tie
Tracking Frequency	Quarterly	Monthly	InBody

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.

InBody

Pros

✓Quick scan (under 3 minutes) with detailed segmental analysis.
✓Available at many commercial gyms and wellness centers.
✓Measures muscle mass distribution across arms, legs, and trunk.
✓No radiation. Completely non-invasive.
✓Provides a detailed printed report.

Cons

×Accuracy heavily affected by hydration, food intake, and exercise.
×$25-50 per scan adds up for regular tracking.
×Not available everywhere. Requires a gym or clinic with an InBody machine.
×BIA technology has inherent limitations for very lean or very obese individuals.
×Results can swing 2-3% based on when you ate or drank water.

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 InBody if:

✓Gym members whose facility has an InBody machine.
✓People who want segmental muscle analysis (arms, legs, trunk).
✓Monthly or quarterly check-ins as part of a gym membership.

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

Can I trust home body fat measurements?

Home methods (smart scales, navy method, calipers) are less accurate than clinical methods. But they are useful for tracking trends if you test consistently at the same time, same conditions. Do not obsess over the absolute number. Watch the direction.

How often should I get a DEXA scan?

Every 3-6 months for most people. More frequently is expensive and unnecessary since body composition changes slowly. Use a cheaper method (like FitCommit or calipers) for monthly tracking, then validate with DEXA quarterly.

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.

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 InBody (BIA Machine): 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

InBody (BIA Machine)

Good accuracy

Accuracy+/- 3-5%

Cost$25-50

Time2-3 minutes

WhereGyms, clinics, wellness centers

How Each Method Works

DEXA Scan

InBody (BIA Machine)

Head-to-Head Comparison

Category	DEXA	InBody	Winner
Accuracy	Gold standard (+/- 1-2%)	Good (+/- 3-5%)	DEXA
Cost	$75-150	$25-50	InBody
Convenience	Clinics and medical facilities only	Gyms, clinics, wellness centers	InBody
Time Per Test	10-20 minutes	2-3 minutes	Tie
Tracking Frequency	Quarterly	Monthly	InBody

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.

InBody

Pros

✓Quick scan (under 3 minutes) with detailed segmental analysis.
✓Available at many commercial gyms and wellness centers.
✓Measures muscle mass distribution across arms, legs, and trunk.
✓No radiation. Completely non-invasive.
✓Provides a detailed printed report.

Cons

×Accuracy heavily affected by hydration, food intake, and exercise.
×$25-50 per scan adds up for regular tracking.
×Not available everywhere. Requires a gym or clinic with an InBody machine.
×BIA technology has inherent limitations for very lean or very obese individuals.
×Results can swing 2-3% based on when you ate or drank water.

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 InBody if:

✓Gym members whose facility has an InBody machine.
✓People who want segmental muscle analysis (arms, legs, trunk).
✓Monthly or quarterly check-ins as part of a gym membership.

Want an Easier Option?

Try FitCommit Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trust home body fat measurements?

How often should I get a DEXA scan?

What is the cheapest way to measure body fat?

Do body fat scales actually work?

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