Enter your total body weight into the calculator to estimate your total body water weight and volume.

Total Body Water Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the total amount of body water in your body.

WW = 2/3*BW
WV = BW / 62.4
  • Where WW is your water weight (lbs)
  • BW is your total body weight (lbs)
  • WV is your body water volume (ft^3)

Total body weight is the sum of the weight of all the tissues, organs, and fluids in the body.

The total amount of water present in an individual’s body.

Total Body Water Definition

Total Body Water (TBW) refers to the sum of all fluid within the body, including intracellular and extracellular fluids. It plays a crucial role in maintaining various physiological processes and overall health.

TBW serves as the primary medium for transporting nutrients, electrolytes, and oxygen to cells, while also facilitating the removal of waste products and toxins.

It helps maintain proper temperature regulation and aids in the lubrication of joints and organs. Additionally, TBW supports efficient digestion, absorption, and circulation.

The human body consists of approximately 60% TBW, which can vary depending on age, gender, body composition, and overall health. Infants tend to have a higher TBW percentage, while older individuals generally have a lower percentage due to changes in body composition.

Accurate measurement and maintenance of TBW are vital for assessing hydration status and overall health. Excessive loss of TBW, known as dehydration, can lead to complications such as fatigue, dizziness, impaired cognition, and even organ failure in severe cases. On the other hand, an excess of TBW referred to as fluid overload or edema, can cause swelling, shortness of breath, and strain on the cardiovascular system.

Total Body Water Example

How to calculate total body water?

  1. First, measure your total body weight.

    Measure your total body weight in pounds.

  2. Next, calculate your body water weight and volume.

    Using the two equations above, calculate the weight and volume of the water contained within your body.

FAQ

What factors influence Total Body Water (TBW) percentage?

Age, gender, body composition, and overall health status significantly influence TBW percentage. For instance, infants have a higher TBW percentage than adults, while older individuals typically have a lower TBW percentage due to changes in body composition.

Why is maintaining TBW important?

Maintaining an optimal TBW is crucial for various physiological processes, including nutrient transport, waste removal, temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and supporting efficient digestion, absorption, and circulation. It helps in maintaining hydration status and overall health.

How can TBW be accurately measured?

TBW can be measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dilution methods, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). These methods provide estimates of TBW by measuring resistance to electrical flow through the body or by using markers to calculate fluid volumes.

What are the consequences of TBW imbalances?

Dehydration, or excessive loss of TBW, can lead to fatigue, dizziness, impaired cognition, and organ failure in severe cases. Conversely, fluid overload or edema, an excess of TBW, can cause swelling, shortness of breath, and strain on the cardiovascular system.

total body water calculator
total body water formula