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Scientific supervision: Dr. Ivan Ibáñez
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Lean Body Mass Calculator — 3 Scientific Formulas

Calculate your lean body mass (LBM) using Boer, Hume, and James formulas. Get estimated fat mass and body fat percentage instantly. Free, science-based calculator.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ivan Ibáñez·Nº Col. 17/05487·Mar 31, 2026
How to use this calculator?

CalcVita. (2026). Lean Body Mass Calculator — 3 Scientific Formulas. CalcVita. Retrieved June 4, 2026, from https://calcvita.com/en/calculators/lean-body-mass

Medical notice: Information and results from these calculators are general and for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice nor replace consultation with a healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor before making health-related decisions. Your data is processed entirely in your browser and is never sent to our servers.

Lean Body Mass: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Measure It

Suggested article

Lean Body Mass: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Measure It

Lean body mass is the weight of everything in your body that is not fat — muscles, bones, organs, and water. Learn how to calculate it using Boer, Hume, and James formulas, and why it matters more than total body weight for health and performance.

Read the full article →

How does this calculator work?

This calculator uses three validated formulas — Boer (1984), Hume (1966), and James (1976) — to estimate lean body mass from weight, height, and sex. Lean body mass (LBM) is the portion of your body weight that is not fat. It includes muscles, bones, organs, and body water. The average of all three formulas is displayed as the primary result.

About the formulas

The Boer formula was derived from densitometry studies and is widely used in clinical settings. Hume developed his equation using data from hospitalized patients, making it useful across a broad weight range. The James formula, while simple, can underestimate LBM in individuals with higher BMI. All three are used in drug dosing, sports science, and body composition research.

Limitations

These formulas were derived from population samples and may not accurately reflect individual body composition. They do not account for ethnicity, fitness level, or disease state. For precise measurements, clinical methods such as DEXA scanning or underwater weighing should be used. Consult a healthcare professional for medical decisions.

Sources

  • Boer P. Estimated lean body mass as an index for normalization of body fluid volumes in humans. Am J Physiol 1984;247(4 Pt 2):F632-6. PMID: 6496691
  • Hume R. Prediction of lean body mass from height and weight. J Clin Pathol 1966;19(4):389-391. PMID: 5965530
  • James WPT. Research on Obesity. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1976.
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