How to find out your body fat %

Hi folks! I haven't been around  lately cause vacations are over. There was some event at school in which they measured your fat percentage, your physical endurance, your glucose levels,etc.

They measured my fat % twice: The first time they made me stand on  a machine that looked more or less like this:
http://web.tradekorea.com/upload_file/prod/emp/200903/main/result_2009_2_2_18_26_41_593_1.jpg
My fat%was  13.7%

Then they used another  machine connected to a computer. They used a kind of gun that grabbed and pinched the skin on my chest, abs, and quads. As it barely pinched my skin, the computer said that my fat% was 5.9, really 5.9%.

I don't believe my fat% is that low. At most I estimate it is around 10%-14%. I know the most accurate was the first machine, but I wanna know how accurate, or if there is a much better way of measuring the fat%.

I am actually not worried, but I just would like to know. Really, I am one of those guys who don't care about caloric intake or such numbers, for I believe that good cardio, nutrition and excercise.  So why am I asking? well, I just wanna hear your opinion. (I know it is not big deal, but I am posting this for a reason).


Thanks in advance.


(I already did a search about it, and I found some posts about it, but I guess I would like a more precise answer, I beg your pardon).

Body fat tests are extremely variable.  I would not be surprised if one test was 100% off when compared to a different test.

Here is a neat link about different methods.

http://www.changingshape.com/resources/calculators/body-fat-calculator.asp

THE PINCH TEST
Special calipers are used to measure folds of skin around specific spots on the body. This is not a precise method; but it is relatively accurate if a training professional conducts the test. Unfortunately, there is a variety of formulas that can be used to estimated body fat and quite often it is performed slightly different by each person. Thus, to increase accuracy, always have the same individual perform your pinch test . Also, always remember, the pinch test is not an exact measure of your real body fat percentage , but can work wonderfully for a monthly reference to monitor your progress.

Accuracy: Moderately accurate when conducted by a trained professional.
Starting Cost: $10 to $20
Convenience: Widely available at health clubs and only takes a few minutes.


BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TEST
A trained technician connects electrodes to your hand and foot while you lie down. Then a harmless radio-frequency pulse is run directly through the body to measure water content. That number provides a estimate of body fat with an error of 2 or 2 1/2 percentage points. Although, exercise and different levels of liquid intake directly before the test can distort results.

Accuracy: Equal to the pinch test
Starting Cost: $25
Convenience: It takes only a few minutes and is found at some health facilities.


IMMERSION TEST
This is by far the most accurate body fat measurement method available. The test requires you to exhale the air from your lungs as you get dunked into a pool of water. The method only has an error margin of 1 body fat percentage point.

Accuracy: The very best
Starting Cost: $25 to $50
Convenience: Accessible at many hospitals and various gyms, although, it is exhausting and can last up to an hour


BOD POD
You step into an egg-shaped chamber, sit for 20 seconds, and that's it. The chamber measures air displacement within your body. This measurement is converted to your relative body fat after your weight is factored in.

Accuracy: Initial tests show that it's as good as immersion.
Starting Cost: $25 to $125
Convenience: Found at only a few dozen hospitals and doctor's offices, but it's quick and easy

We have the Bod Pod on base where I work (military base) and I had mine tested for free!

I have faced with the same dilemma.  When I try the machine, which is called body composition analyzer, in a pharmacy; my fat percentage seems as 16%.  Whereas, it is resulted as around 10% due to the various calculation methods on internet.  In order to manage my goals, I really want to know what the truth is.  There has to be a way that is used by professionals.  So, what is this way actually?

Im pretty sure you can get it done at the doctors........not 100% sure though

I'm very skeptical of these types of calculators. Really doesn't take muscular waist or forearm into consideration.

And I've just gotten 0.5% bodyfat as my result. So much for the online calculators (again, I once got a negative result, but that's a different story ).

Check into the local Junior Colleges or Health Organizations.

My Gym Buds and I went to a local Junior College and for a whole $15 dollars U.S. we got a Hydrostatic Body fat test.  Extremely Accurate!

The other test are ok for a reference point but not for accuracy.