Skip to main content
FORMCHECK

Body composition guide

Body-fat methods answer different questions.

No method turns body composition into a perfectly exact number. Choose a method for its purpose, then repeat it under similar conditions instead of mixing unlike readings.

Quick comparison

AI photo estimate

Best suited to
A convenient visual baseline and repeatable progress trend.
What it needs
A clear, consistently staged full-body photo.
Main limitation
Pose, lighting, clothing, camera angle, and individual fat distribution affect the estimate.

DEXA scan

Best suited to
A detailed clinical-style body-composition assessment at a point in time.
What it needs
Specialized equipment and an appointment with a qualified provider.
Main limitation
Cost, access, machine calibration, and scan protocol can make frequent comparisons less practical.

Bioelectrical impedance scale

Best suited to
Frequent measurements at home with minimal effort.
What it needs
A compatible scale and consistent measurement conditions.
Main limitation
Hydration, food, exercise, skin temperature, and device equations can move the reading.

Tape-measure formula

Best suited to
A low-cost estimate without a photo or specialized device.
What it needs
A flexible tape, the correct anatomical sites, and a formula suited to the user.
Main limitation
Small differences in tape placement or tension can change the result.

Skinfold calipers

Best suited to
Tracking skinfold changes when the same trained person repeats the protocol.
What it needs
Calipers, defined measurement sites, and reliable technique.
Main limitation
Technique and the equation used matter; self-measurement is difficult at some sites.

A photo estimate is a trend tool

FormCheck evaluates visible body-shape cues from one photo and reports a range and confidence level. It does not directly measure tissue, and it is not a clinical test. Its practical value is convenience: you can recreate the same setup and compare the direction over time.

For a cleaner baseline, follow the body-fat photo guide. Keep each measurement method as its own series and compare changes under similar conditions.

Where FormCheck fits

FormCheck is designed for a convenient visual range and repeatable progress baseline, not diagnosis or clinical precision. It reports uncertainty and helps you recreate the photo setup rather than presenting a photo estimate as a medical measurement.

Learn how the estimate works, follow the body-fat photo guide, or create a free baseline.