Do you know what comprises the majority of our body mass? It’s not our bones, muscles, or fat- it’s water. Water makes up a significant portion of our body composition, with estimates suggesting it constitutes about 60% of our total body weight in adults.
From facilitating nutrient transport to aiding in temperature regulation and waste removal, water plays a fundamental role in nearly every bodily function. Understanding the importance of water in our bodies is crucial for maintaining optimal health and wellness.
By utilizing our Total Body Water (TBW) Calculator, you can gain valuable insights into your hydration levels and take proactive steps toward better health.
What Is My Body Water Percentage?
Understanding how much water is in your body is important for knowing if you’re drinking enough fluids. Our body water percentage calculator can help you figure out if you’re hydrated properly.
Your body has water both inside and outside its cells, and it’s important to have the right balance between the two. This balance helps your body work well and stay healthy.
Water inside your cells helps with moving nutrients around and getting rid of waste. The water outside your cells keeps your tissues hydrated and helps maintain the right balance of minerals and salts in your body.
Making sure you have the right balance of water inside and outside your cells is crucial for keeping your body working properly. If the balance gets off, it can cause problems with how your body functions and can affect your health.
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How to Use the Total Body Water Calculator?
- Select your preferred unit system: Imperial (pounds and inches) or Metric (kilograms and centimeters).
- Input your age in years.
- Enter your height in centimeters if using the Metric system or in inches if using the Imperial system.
- Input your weight in kilograms if using the Metric system or in pounds if using the Imperial system.
- Select your sex: Male or Female.
- Click on the “Calculate” button to generate your total body water content.
What is Total Body Water?
Total Body Water (TBW) refers to all the water present in your body, including the water inside your cells (intracellular fluid) and the water outside your cells (extracellular fluid).
It represents a significant portion of your body composition and plays a vital role in various bodily functions. TBW typically makes up about 50% to 70% of your total body weight, but this percentage can vary based on factors like age, gender, and body composition. In essence, TBW serves as a crucial indicator of hydration levels and overall health.
How Much of Your Total Body Weight is Water?
On average, the normal range of total body water volume is approximately 58 ± 8% for males and 48 ± 6% for females. However, this percentage may vary depending on individual factors such as age, and body composition. Infants have a higher percentage of water (up to 75%), while elderly individuals may have a lower percentage (45% to 55%) due to changes in muscle mass and hydration levels.
Body Water Percentage Chart
This chart shows the average range of total body water in different age groups and genders. It tells us about the usual hydration levels at different ages. For example, boys aged 12-18 usually have about 59% total body water, with some ranging from 52% to 66%. Girls of the same age group have around 56% total body water, with some ranging from 49% to 63%. Our body water Percentage Chart gives similar information for other age groups as well, helping us understand hydration levels in different types of people.
Adults & Seniors
|
Age Group |
Male (Average) |
Male (Range) |
Female (Average) |
Female (Range) |
|
12–18 years |
59% |
52–66% |
56% |
49–63% |
|
19–50 years |
59% |
43–73% |
50% |
41–60% |
|
51 years and older |
56% |
47–67% |
47% |
39–57% |
Infants and children
|
Infants and children |
||
|
Age |
Body Water Percentage Range |
Average Body Water Percentage |
|
Birth to 6 months |
64–84% |
74% |
|
6 months to 1 year |
57–64% |
60% |
|
1–12 years |
49–75% |
60% |
Percentage of Water in Organs
Water is distributed throughout the body, with cells holding about 60% of the total water, while the rest surrounds the cells. Certain organs have higher water percentages compared to others. For instance, the brain and kidneys contain the highest proportions of water, while the bones and teeth have the lowest. The chart below illustrates the water percentages from highest to lowest:
- Brain: 80–85%
- Kidneys: 80–85%
- Heart: 75–80%
- Lungs: 75–80%
- Muscles: 70–75%
- Liver: 70–75%
- Skin: 70–75%
- Blood: 50%
- Bones: 20–25%
- Teeth: 8–10%
Despite varying water contents, every part of the body relies on water for proper functioning.
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How To Calculate Total Body Water?
Total Body Water (TBW) can be estimated using various formulas tailored to different demographics.[1] Here are the commonly used formulas:
Watson Formulas:
- For Men: TBW (liters) = 2.447 – (0.09156 × age) + (0.1074 × height in cm) + (0.3362 × weight in kg)
- For Women: TBW (liters) = -2.097 + (0.1069 × height in cm) + (0.3362 × weight in kg)
Hume-Weyers Formulas:
- For Men: TBW (liters) = 0.194786 × weight in kg + 0.296785 × height in cm – 14.012934
- For Women: TBW (liters) = 0.34454 × weight in kg + 0.183809 × height in cm – 35.270121
Mellits-Cheek Formulas
This formula is specifically designed to find the body water content in children.
For Boys:
- TBW (liters) (height < 132.7 cm) = -1.927 + 0.465 × weight in kg + 0.045 × height in cm
- TBW (liters) (height > 132.7 cm) = -21.993 + 0.406 × weight in kg + 0.209 × height in cm
For Girls:
- TBW (liters) (height < 110.8 cm) = 0.076 + 0.507 × weight in kg + 0.013 × height in cm
- TBW (liters) (height > 110.8 cm) = -10.313 + 0.252 × weight in kg + 0.154 × height in cm
These formulas provide estimations of Total Body Water and are helpful in clinical and research settings. However, it’s important to note that they offer approximations and may not precisely reflect individual variations.
How to Increase Body Water Percentage?
- Drink an adequate amount of water daily, aiming for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) for adults. To determine your specific daily water requirement based on your individual factors such as age, weight, and activity level, you can use our hydration calculator.
- Consume hydrating foods such as fruits (e.g., watermelon, oranges) and vegetables (e.g., cucumbers, and tomatoes).
- Limit intake of dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Monitor hydration levels regularly and adjust water intake based on activity level and environmental conditions.
- Incorporate electrolyte-rich beverages or foods to help maintain hydration balance, especially during strenuous exercise or hot weather.
- Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to make it easier to stay hydrated.
- Set reminders on your phone or use apps to prompt you to drink water regularly.
How Much Water Should You Drink by Age?
There’s no fixed daily requirement for fluid intake, as it varies based on factors like age, gender, weight, health status, physical activity, and climate[2]. However, as a general guideline, minimum fluid intake recommendations are as follows:
|
Age Group |
Recommended Fluid Intake (milliliters per day) |
|
0–6 months |
700 |
|
6–12 months |
800 |
|
1–2 years |
1,300 |
|
4–8 years |
1,700 |
|
9–13 years (males) |
2,400 |
|
9–13 years (females) |
2,100 |
|
14–18 years (males) |
3,300 |
|
14–18 years (females) |
2,300 |
|
Adult male |
3,700 |
|
Adult female |
2,700 |
|
During pregnancy |
3,000 |
|
While breastfeeding |
3,800 |
These guidelines serve as a reference point, but it’s essential to listen to your body’s cues and adjust fluid intake accordingly to maintain optimal hydration levels.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the pivotal role of water in our bodies is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. From facilitating nutrient transport to regulating temperature and aiding in waste removal, water is indispensable to nearly every bodily function.
Utilizing tools like the body water weight calculator and heeding hydration recommendations based on age and activity level can empower individuals to optimize their hydration level. By adopting healthy hydration habits and paying attention to their body’s signals, individuals can ensure they meet their fluid intake needs and maintain optimal hydration levels for enhanced vitality and wellness.
Remember, staying hydrated is not just a recommendation but a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, promoting vitality and supporting the body’s optimal functioning.
References
- Watson PE, Watson ID, Batt RD. Total body water volumes for adult males and females estimated from simple anthropometric measurements. Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 Jan;33(1):27-39. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/33.1.27. PMID: 6986753.
- Block, .W., Convey, .P. Seasonal and long-term variation in body-water content of an Antarctic springtail – a response to climate change?. Polar Biol 24, 764–770 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000100282