What is the average bf % where abs are visible?

[IJ26]

Ive heard 10% and below. the reason I ask is bc u can get so many different measurements with calipers and the shitty old bio impedence. Also when is the best time of day to get calipered?Im guessing right when u wake up b4 u eat.

 

[Denilson35]

Yeah, talk about disparity in measurements...I got measured at 9% and I have very little definition. I measured myself at 8.3 and a scale I used said 8. That must be a bunch of BS. I've seen writing that says 7-9, and I've seen 8-11. I think a lot of it depends on genetics, what a surprise!

 

[geoffgarst]

8-10% depending on how well the ab muscle is developed.

 

[AlbinoAssassin]

I just tested on a bioelectrical impedance scale today and it said my BF% was 16. By the way, I have an 8 pack. Those things are garbage. I'm not peeled, I am probably about 10%. I know what 16% looks like, it's very smooth. I am not anywhere near that soft. I just go by the mirror, it doesn't lie.

 

[molnii]

under 10%....so single digit!

 

[kingc_79]

im starting to see abs(not good but im starting to see them) now and i would guess im round 11-12%. havent been tested in a while tho.

 

[FatRat]

I dont really agree that it has to be under 10%. I think it has a lot to do with genetics and where your body lays down fat.

The reason I say this is that my abs are fairly visible, no way cut, but all showing, however I am no way under 10%. For some reason fat lays on my love handle area and a bit on my upper body (no cuts on my arms. Im guessing im more like 15/16%

 

[SIMES]

I don't want to appear argumentative, but in 15 years of being in gyms I have never seen somebody with visible abdominals when 15% of their total bodymass is adipose.

For the vast majority anywhere in the 10% range and under starts to look good. 7-8% looks very good in some lights, about 4-5% looks totally ripped.

Around 11-12% looks perfectly acceptable compared to your average schmoe, you won't have a gut of any kind, but you will probably only be able to see serratus and intercostals and not abs per se.

SIMES

 

[FatRat]

That might be the case, I have not had my BF measured in a long time, but just very much doubt I am near 10%. Also, the question was when they are "visible", which in my mind is a little different from "looking good"

I was just pointing out that it is not a very exact science (as the thread starter assumed as he asked for the average) and I know guys who are certainly lower body fat, but for some reason defined in the shoulders / arms or legs, but not the abs...

 

[Babyfaced Assassin]

i have now reached around 7-8 % and my abs are starting to show, at 10% they wouldnt show, i think everyone's just different and i know my genetics and the way my body is, it's gonna be hard hard work to stay at this %age
i know a guy that maintains it all year round but has to eat junk food just for the calories cos he burns so many and his muscles just shrink otherwise