Understand your Tanita results
Enter your body composition scan results and see exactly what each number means for your health and fitness.
A single measurement is just a snapshot. Real insights come from tracking changes over multiple scans.
The person conducting your scan can offer more personalized advice. This tool is for general understanding.
Results can vary based on hydration, recent meals, exercise, and whether Standard or Athlete mode was used. Aim for consistent conditions between scans.
What does Tanita measure?
Tanita uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to send a safe, low-level electrical signal through your body. Since different tissues conduct electricity differently, the device can estimate your body composition in seconds.
Body fat percentage
The proportion of fat relative to your total body weight. Some fat is essential for insulation and organ protection, but excess fat increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions. Healthy ranges depend on sex and age: roughly 10-20% for men and 21-33% for women under 40.
Muscle mass
The weight of muscle tissue in your body, including skeletal muscles, smooth muscles (heart, digestive), and the water they contain. Higher muscle mass increases your basal metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories at rest and maintain a healthy weight.
Body water percentage
The total amount of fluid in your body as a percentage of body weight. Healthy ranges are 50-65% for men and 45-60% for women. Hydration affects everything from athletic performance to cognitive function and recovery.
Visceral fat rating
A rating (1-59) of the fat stored deep in your abdomen around vital organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat you can pinch, visceral fat is invisible from the outside. A rating of 1-12 is healthy. Ratings above 13 are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic age
Compares your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) to the average BMR for different age groups. If your metabolic age is lower than your actual age, your metabolism is performing better than average. Building muscle through exercise is the most effective way to improve it.
Bone mass
The estimated weight of bone mineral in your body. Bone mass peaks around age 30 and gradually declines. While it is unlikely to change noticeably in the short term, weight-bearing exercise and calcium-rich nutrition help maintain strong, healthy bones over time.
Frequently asked questions
Tips for accurate measurements
- ✓Measure at the same time of day, ideally in the morning
- ✓Avoid eating or drinking for 2-3 hours before
- ✓Avoid intense exercise for at least 12 hours before
- ✓Empty your bladder before stepping on the device
- ✓Stand still with bare feet centered on the electrodes
- ✓Use the same Standard or Athlete mode each time
- ✓Avoid measuring during illness or menstruation for best consistency
Get a free Tanita scan
KTH Sport Foundation offers free body composition scans for students active in any sports section. The only requirement is two weeks of regular attendance.
This tool provides general context based on published Tanita reference data and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Body composition data entered here is processed locally in your browser and is not stored or transmitted.