Lean Body Mass Calculator · Practical guide
Lean Body Mass for a 5 Foot 10 Male
At 5'10", lean body mass typically runs between 120 and 150 lb depending on body weight — see the numbers.
At a glance
The Short Answer
A 5 foot 10 male (70 inches) has roughly 120-150 lb of lean body mass across common body weights. At 180 lb, the three formulas used by the calculator above — Boer, James, and Hume — average about 134 lb of lean mass, or roughly 74% of total body weight.
Interactive tool
Lean Body Mass Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Results
LBM Estimates at 5'10" by Body Weight
The table shows the average of the Boer, James, and Hume formulas, which is the highlighted result the calculator reports:
| Body Weight | Average Lean Mass | LBM Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 150 lb | ~121 lb | 80.9% |
| 180 lb | ~134 lb | 74.3% |
| 200 lb | ~141 lb | 70.6% |
| 220 lb | ~148 lb | 67.4% |
Worked Example: 180 lb at 5'10"
Converting to metric (81.6 kg, 177.8 cm) and applying each formula:
- Boer: 0.407 x 81.6 + 0.267 x 177.8 - 19.2 = 135.6 lb
- James: 1.1 x 81.6 - 128 x (81.6 / 177.8)^2 = 138.5 lb
- Hume: 0.3281 x 81.6 + 0.3393 x 177.8 - 29.53 = 126.9 lb
The average of the three is 133.7 lb — that is the estimate to use for protein planning or tracking, since no single formula is right for every build.
How to Read the Result
Lean body mass includes muscle, bone, organs, and water — everything except fat. If your LBM percentage is at the lower end of the table, the difference is fat mass; raising lean mass through resistance training raises the percentage even if the scale stays put. Men typically fall in the 75-90% LBM range, so the 180 lb example at 74.3% has modest room to improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lean body mass of a 5'10" male at 170 lb?
Interpolating between the table values, roughly 130 lb of lean mass, or about 76% of body weight. Enter your exact weight in the calculator for a precise figure.
Why do the three formulas give different answers?
Boer, James, and Hume were each fitted to different study populations, so they diverge slightly — especially at higher body weights. The average of the three is a reasonable estimate for most people.
Is lean body mass the same as muscle mass?
No. Lean body mass counts everything that is not fat, including bones, organs, and water. Skeletal muscle is only a portion of it.
Can I calculate this in pounds and inches directly?
Yes — switch the calculator to imperial units and enter 70 inches for height. It converts internally and reports results back in pounds.