RFM Calculator

Calculate Relative Fat Mass.

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Relative Fat Mass (RFM) Result
An estimate of your body fat percentage.

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RFM: A Simpler Approach to Estimating Body Fat

The Relative Fat Mass (RFM) calculator offers a simple, yet surprisingly accurate, way to estimate your body fat percentage using only your height and waist circumference. Developed by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, RFM was designed to be a more reliable indicator of body fatness than the commonly used Body Mass Index (BMI).

The RFM Formula

The formula is different for men and women, reflecting the different ways genders store fat:

  • For Men: RFM = 64 - (20 × (Height / Waist Circumference))
  • For Women: RFM = 76 - (20 × (Height / Waist Circumference))

Note: Height and waist circumference must be in the same units (e.g., both in centimeters).

Why RFM over BMI?

The primary advantage of RFM is its simplicity and its focus on waist circumference. Waist size is a strong indicator of visceral fat—the dangerous fat stored around your internal organs. Since BMI doesn't account for waist size or distinguish between muscle and fat, RFM can provide a more clinically relevant estimate of health risk associated with body fat. Studies have shown that RFM correlates well with results from high-tech DEXA scans, which are considered the gold standard for body composition analysis.

Disclaimer: The RFM calculator is an educational tool for estimating body fat percentage. It is not a substitute for a professional medical assessment. Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation of your health.

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RFM: A Simpler Approach to Estimating Body Fat

The Relative Fat Mass (RFM) calculator offers a simple, yet surprisingly accurate, way to estimate your body fat percentage using only your height and waist circumference. Developed by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, RFM was designed to be a more reliable indicator of body fatness than the commonly used Body Mass Index (BMI).

The RFM Formula

The formula is different for men and women, reflecting the different ways genders store fat:

  • For Men: RFM = 64 - (20 × (Height / Waist Circumference))
  • For Women: RFM = 76 - (20 × (Height / Waist Circumference))

Note: Height and waist circumference must be in the same units (e.g., both in centimeters).

Why RFM over BMI?

The primary advantage of RFM is its simplicity and its focus on waist circumference. Waist size is a strong indicator of visceral fat—the dangerous fat stored around your internal organs. Since BMI doesn't account for waist size or distinguish between muscle and fat, RFM can provide a more clinically relevant estimate of health risk associated with body fat. Studies have shown that RFM correlates well with results from high-tech DEXA scans, which are considered the gold standard for body composition analysis.

Disclaimer: The RFM calculator is an educational tool for estimating body fat percentage. It is not a substitute for a professional medical assessment. Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation of your health.