Lean Body Mass Calculator

Calculate your Lean Body Mass (LBM) using various formulas.

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How to Use the Lean Body Mass Calculator

Lean Body Mass (LBM) is referred to as the weight of every material in your body apart from fat. It involves muscles, bones, organs, water, and other materials that make up your body. Unlike your body weight, LBM is a better measure of your metabolic status. This Lean Body Mass Calculator calculates the LBM based on formulas that are widely cited and acknowledged within the realm of health, sports, and the medical profession.

How to Use

1. Select Measurement Units

You can use metric measurements (kilos & centimeters) or United States measurements (pounds, feet, & inches), whichever is preferred.

2. Enter Gender and Age Group

Gender and age influence patterns of body composition and the formulas that should be used.

3. Input Height and Weight

Please try to input your current height and weight as closely as possible to get a best estimate.

4. Calculate Lean Body Mass

You can click the calculate button to estimate your lean body mass through the use of appropriate formulas.

Key Formulas Used

Uses height and weight

The Boer formula is commonly used to estimate lean body mass in adults and provides a balanced approximation.

Based on body weight and height

The James formula adjusts lean mass estimates based on proportional body measurements.

LBM = f(height, weight, gender)

The Hume formula is another widely referenced method for estimating lean body mass.

Adapted for pediatric use

The Peters formula is designed for children and adolescents, accounting for growth-related body composition changes.

Benefits

  • Estimates lean mass separate from body fat
  • Uses multiple recognized formulas
  • Supports both adults and children
  • Useful for fitness and body composition tracking
  • Works with metric and US units
  • Simple, non-invasive estimation

When & Where to Use

  • Understanding body composition
  • Fitness and strength tracking
  • Nutrition planning support
  • Metabolic health awareness
  • Educational health insights

Who Should Use This Calculator

This calculator can be used by both adolescents and adult individuals to have an estimate of their lean body mass. This tool is quite helpful for a fitness or nutrition enthusiast who is interested in body composition analysis, although it would not be a good substitute for a body composition test.

Related Calculators

What is this?

Lean Body Mass (LBM) is your total body weight minus body fat.

How it works

Uses Boer, James, Hume formulas and Peters (children).

Pro Tips

  • Higher LBM improves metabolism
  • Track lean mass changes over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lean body mass (LBM)?

Lean Body Mass (LBM) is your total body weight minus all fat mass. It includes muscles, bones, organs, water, and connective tissue, and represents the metabolically active part of your body.

Which formula does this calculator use?

This calculator estimates lean body mass using multiple validated formulas, including Boer, James, and Hume for adults, and the Peters formula for children. The James formula is used as the primary displayed result.

Why do different formulas give different results?

Each formula was developed using different study populations and assumptions. Small differences are normal, and comparing results can give a broader understanding of body composition.

Is lean body mass the same as muscle mass?

No. Lean body mass includes muscle, but also includes bones, organs, water, and other non-fat tissues. Muscle mass is only one component of lean body mass.

How accurate is lean body mass estimation?

Formula-based LBM estimates provide reasonable approximations but are not as precise as clinical methods like DEXA scans. Hydration level, age, and body proportions can affect accuracy.

Why is lean body mass important?

Lean body mass plays a key role in metabolism, strength, physical performance, and overall health. Maintaining or increasing lean mass helps support weight management and long-term metabolic health.