Start with the correct comparison
Find the scanner manufacturer and the definition of the percentage on your report. A tissue-fat percentage can use a different denominator from a percentage of total scanned mass. Check those details before comparing your number with another report or a chart online.
Our GE table preserves the source’s reversed ranking convention. The Hologic table uses conventional percentiles. The same percentile label therefore cannot be read the same way in both tables. The source and direction are shown beside each table.
Body fat percentage references
The source uses a reversed fitness-style ranking: 90th means the lower end of the distribution, 10th the higher end. These labels do not measure fitness or health.
| Age | n | Mean ± SD | 90th | 80th | 70th | 60th | 50th | 40th | 30th | 20th | 10th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 562 | 31.4± 8.5 | 22.1 | 24.5 | 26.4 | 28.1 | 29.9 | 32.1 | 35.4 | 38.3 | 43.2 |
| 30-39 | 196 | 36.6± 11.0 | 21.4 | 26.8 | 29.3 | 33.4 | 36.8 | 40.6 | 43.6 | 46.8 | 50.7 |
| 40-49 | 258 | 39.2± 9.7 | 24.5 | 31.4 | 34.3 | 37.4 | 40.0 | 42.6 | 44.5 | 48.2 | 51.0 |
| 50-59 | 437 | 41.7± 8.7 | 30.3 | 34.4 | 38.0 | 40.5 | 42.7 | 45.0 | 47.0 | 49.3 | 51.8 |
| 60-69 | 440 | 42.4± 7.7 | 32.5 | 35.5 | 38.6 | 40.8 | 42.4 | 44.9 | 47.0 | 49.1 | 52.2 |
| 70-79 | 183 | 40.4± 7.9 | 30.5 | 35.5 | 37.9 | 39.6 | 41.2 | 43.5 | 45.8 | 48.2 | 50.1 |
Choose an age to highlight a row. No values are sent to the server.
Population reference, not a target. 3,327 US adults, 95% Caucasian; GE Lunar Prodigy or iDXA. These are not Australian norms or athlete targets. Source and table ↗ · Checked 23 September 2026.
Average does not mean ideal
A population median is the middle of that dataset. It does not define a target for an athlete, an Australian population or someone with a particular medical history. The tables also cannot describe every body type or background equally well.
For example, moving towards a lower body fat percentage is not automatically a useful goal. The decision needs context: why the scan was requested, what else is happening with your health and how any proposed change would be supported. Ask your practitioner what would actually change in the plan.
Read kilograms as well as percentages
Fat mass and lean tissue help explain the headline percentage. A percentage can move when either compartment changes. In the site’s invented example, 24.5 kg of fat divided by 68 kg total scanned mass gives about 36.0%. The masses provide information that the percentage alone leaves out.
Fat mass index uses fat mass divided by height squared. It is another way of describing body composition, not a stand-alone diagnosis. Its published categories also have a specific reference population and purpose.
| Source category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Severe fat deficit | <2 | <3.5 |
| Moderate fat deficit | 2 to <2.3 | 3.5 to <4 |
| Mild fat deficit | 2.3 to <3 | 4 to <5 |
| Normal | 3 to 6 | 5 to 9 |
| Excess fat | >6 to 9 | >9 to 13 |
| Obese class I | >9 to 12 | >13 to 17 |
| Obese class II | >12 to 15 | >17 to 21 |
| Obese class III | >15 | >21 |
Fat mass index references
The source uses a reversed fitness-style ranking: 90th means the lower end of the distribution, 10th the higher end. These labels do not measure fitness or health.
| Age | n | Mean ± SD | 90th | 80th | 70th | 60th | 50th | 40th | 30th | 20th | 10th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 562 | 7.6± 3.6 | 4.30 | 5.00 | 5.60 | 6.00 | 6.60 | 7.30 | 8.20 | 9.50 | 11.90 |
| 30-39 | 196 | 10.0±5.2 | 4.40 | 5.40 | 6.40 | 7.50 | 8.90 | 10.20 | 11.90 | 14.30 | 18.00 |
| 40-49 | 258 | 11.0±5.1 | 4.90 | 7.00 | 7.80 | 8.60 | 9.70 | 11.30 | 12.80 | 15.40 | 19.20 |
| 50-59 | 437 | 12.0±4.9 | 6.40 | 7.60 | 9.10 | 10.10 | 11.30 | 12.80 | 14.40 | 16.30 | 18.70 |
| 60-69 | 440 | 12.1±4.5 | 6.80 | 8.00 | 9.40 | 10.30 | 11.20 | 12.90 | 14.30 | 15.60 | 18.10 |
| 70-79 | 183 | 10.8±3.8 | 6.40 | 8.00 | 8.80 | 9.60 | 10.50 | 11.60 | 12.80 | 14.40 | 16.30 |
Choose an age to highlight a row. No values are sent to the server.
Population reference, not a target. 3,327 US adults, 95% Caucasian; GE Lunar Prodigy or iDXA. These are not Australian norms or athlete targets. Source and table ↗ · Checked 23 September 2026.
Do not carry targets between methods
A chart that does not identify how body fat was measured is difficult to apply. Skinfolds, bioimpedance and DEXA use different inputs and models. Do not assume an athletic range from another method is a DEXA reference.
If you have been using a home scale, keep that series separate. Ask whether the first DEXA scan should serve as a new baseline. You do not need to make the two numbers agree to have a useful conversation.
A better question to bring to the appointment
Try asking: “What does this result add to what we already know, and would it change my next step?” Bring the full report and any previous measurements. Agree on the purpose of a rescan before choosing a date.
The site’s tables can help you understand the comparison being made. Your GP, dietitian or treating practitioner can help decide how it fits with your circumstances. We have not attributed a new target or quotation to STRIVE.
Common questions
Are these Australian body fat norms?
No. The reference studies shown here use US datasets with their stated populations and scanners. They are not presented as Australian population norms.
Is the 50th percentile a healthy goal?
No. It describes the middle of a reference distribution. It does not determine what is appropriate for an individual.
Does a lower percentage always mean improvement?
No. Read fat mass, lean tissue, testing conditions and your broader health context together. A percentage alone cannot establish improvement.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Find the right appointment.
For diagnostic bone density, start with your referring doctor. For body composition, compare what is included and who will explain the report.
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