Although there are numerous ways to measure body composition, the method of skinfold calipers for estimating body composition is often disregarded as a good choice.

Many things can affect the accuracy of the measurement of body composition using calipers, including the equipment, the level of expertise of the tester, and which equation is used for prediction, however, skinfold calipers can still offer a relatively accurate and quick, affordable way to measure body composition changes over time.

Kinanthropometry is the study of human size, shape, proportion, composition and function. The purpose of kinanthropometry is to understand human growth, performance, and nutritional status, especially concerning sports performance. Kinanthropometry techniques have been used for centuries to measure the physique of athletes and other individuals alike and include techniques such as somatotyping, anthropometric techniques, and body composition testing 3.

Currently, the Level 3 Anthropometrist course delivered by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry ISAK is the highest international standard for kinanthropometry Although the organisation has thousands of members and holds itself to a high standard of excellence, professionals in the field of sports science and strength and conditioning are not legally required to hold an ISAK certification to provide anthropometric services.

There are numerous ways to measure body composition, including, but not limited to, body mass index BMI , underwater weighing, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry DEXA , air-displacement plethysmography, skinfold calipers, or somatotyping.

Currently, the absolute gold standard for body composition measurement is cadaver analysis 2, 21 , as no other in-vivo technique will be as accurate as the dissection technique. In living subjects in-vivo , however, DEXA is currently seen as the gold standard.

In this article, the advantages and shortcomings of the skinfold calipers as a means of estimating body composition will be thoroughly discussed. Depending on the physiological demands of the sport, anthropometry could be one of the key performance indicators in competition, as it is in sport climbing.

Many studies have highlighted the importance of a low percentage of body fat for good climbing performance and therefore is measured routinely in testing batteries In this case, DEXA and skinfolds might be used jointly so that both accurate numbers of actual body fat percentage through DEXA , and more frequent check-ins with an ISAK-certified specialist for skinfolds could be used.

Similarly, a key performance indicator for marathon events or long-distance running is a low body fat percentage, which is crucial in planning the yearly periodisation for the athletes in and out of their main competition seasons 4.

For an event like the marathon, in which the athletes carry their body weight, having a low body fat percentage, and low total body weight will decrease the energy cost of running, further contributing to their performance Skinfold calipers Figure 1 are one instrument used by anthropometrists specialists that study kinanthropometry to attempt to estimate the amount of fat on a human body.

There are many different shapes and prices for skinfold calipers, but ISAK does not specify which caliper types are required, so often what the budget affords are the ones practitioners choose.

Harpendens, by contrast, can cost hundreds of dollars, are made of metal, and have a measurement accuracy to the nearest 0. As long as calipers are properly calibrated, then they may be used for estimating body fat By taking a double fold of the skin and underlying subcutaneous fat with the skinfold caliper Figure 2 , practitioners measure various specific sites on the body to estimate the average thickness of each site.

With this information, scientists have developed equations that help us estimate the total body fat percentage.

Matiegka was the first to develop equations for predicting body fat percentage from skinfold thickness Since then, numerous equations have been developed Though many equations have been developed in an attempt to improve the measurement accuracy of skinfold calipers, the following equations were developed by Siri These equations are just one example of how this can be done, however, other equations are specifically targeted to gender, age group, and other types of populations e.

Age is always in years. As skinfold calipers are quick, easy-to-use, and very affordable for estimating body fat percentage, they have become more widely used over the years This has happened despite newer techniques such as DEXA , magnetic resonance imaging MRI , computerized tomography CT , and bioelectrical impedance analysis BIA all having been developed One study by Eston et al.

Furthermore, skinfolds tended to under predict body fat percentage as compared to DEXA , revealing that DEXA and skinfold could not be used interchangeably. According to this study, and others 6, 9 , skinfolds may have a significant bias at extremes of body fat and age.

The best use of skinfolds seems to be their raw values i. the summation of all measurement sites in millimetres , rather than their ability to predict total body fat percentage because there are errors associated with the accuracy of the collection of the raw data, and error in assumptions in the final values Raw skinfold data can give us a good idea of the regional fatness, unlike other measures like BMI or circumference measures alone 8, For some populations, such as athletic populations, where the difference of one percentage point of body fat can make a difference in performance, skinfolds are likely more important For overweight or obese populations, taking skinfolds may be of less use, as accuracy and reliability of the skinfold measurements will be harder to repeat as the skinfold thickness increases, so methods like DEXA may be more accurate 5.

Other studies, for example on obese children, have found good agreeance between skinfolds and percent fat measured by DEXA 22 , however, considerations based on the population being measured must be addressed by each case separately.

In anthropometry, technical error of measure TEM is what we refer to the error that occurs when a measurement is taken on the same object more than once, and the values are not the same. This error is inherent especially when humans are involved in the measurements, due to:.

We want to minimise the error in our measurement as much as possible to create the most accurate and reliable measurement possible each time, but all errors cannot usually be removed To minimise these factors, it is best that we control as many factors as possible, and use the same tester, the same location, the same time of day and day of the week, and a consistent schedule throughout the week in training and diet Because we know the error is associated with the measurements, practitioners should always express their measures as a value with the technical error, so that when measuring change over time, we can be more certain of real change versus errors made in measuring.

To calculate the technical error, use the following equations, outlined in a paper by Perini et al. Table 1. Acceptable levels for intra- and inter-evaluator error, according to a beginner Level 1 ISAK versus a skilful anthropometrist Level 4 ISAK Finally, to make measurements of body composition more accurate, ensure the use of predictive body fat percentage equations that best match the demographic of the persons tested.

Generally, the understanding of the use of skinfold calipers and their accuracy is very poor and grossly misunderstood. Given this, our mission was to clarify whether skinfolds are a good method of choice for body composition.

In conclusion, skinfold calipers can be a cost-effective, quick, and relatively accurate measure of body composition over time.

While the gold standard for body composition is still cadaver dissection, skinfold measurements can offer information about the relative fatness, the change in body composition over time, and potentially even the health of the individual. Knowing that increased fat mass is associated with various diseases, and some athletes need specific body fat percentages for optimal performance, it is of importance that fitness professionals measure skinfolds accurately and with the ability to be repeatable, following the ISAK for best results.

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Skinfold Calipers Delve into the science, validity, reliability and practical recommendations for using skinfold calipers to measure body fat. References Alva, M.

Arq Sanny Pesq Saúde, 1 2 ; Armstrong, L. Assessing Hydration Status: The Elusive Gold Standard. Journal of the American College of Nutrition , 26 sup5 , S—S. The body scanner uses digital tape measures to record body mass and measure body fat composition.

The scanner creates a 3D avatar of the person that they can use to see their exact measurements. It also displays metrics such as body fat percentage and lean muscle mass. These readings are used to create a targeted workout and diet plan.

Repeated body scans allow clients to see their physical development in real-time. It analyzes the body's entire composition to provide a holistic look at a person's physical health. A 3D body scanner's accuracy is significantly higher than that of body fat calipers. They can calculate total body composition with an error rate of only.

This is drastically lower than skinfold calipers' rate of error. Body scanners are also significantly less invasive than body fat calipers.

To have an assessment done with calipers, clients have to strip down to their underwear and let a professional circle their body and pinch skinfolds. For customers who are self-conscious about their bodies, this can be an incredibly intimidating process. Form-fitting clothing works best for accuracy and helps customers feel more comfortable with the process.

Our body scanners also have a self-scanning mode. This allows clients to scan themselves without a professional in the room with them.

It allows an extra level of privacy for those who desire it. Once the scan has been completed, the client is then presented with an interactive 3D representation of their body. Coaches can rotate, pan, and zoom to view the body from any angle.

This is a more engaging and visual tool to use when having conversations with clients about their fitness. Body scanners also tell users the exact type and location of their body fat.

The system can illustrate how fitness and nutrition programs impact their overall body composition. Trainers can use these results to build customized workout and nutrition plans to target specific areas where body fat is present.

Our body scanners are also lightweight and portable. You can pack them up and take them to other locations.

This frees you from the restriction of operating in a single facility and allows you to perform fitness assessments wherever you want. When it comes to body scanner pros and cons, the price point tends to be the biggest issue for fitness center owners.

It's up to you to decide whether that investment is worth it for your fitness center. Many gym owners chose to charge clients for body scans. Typically, the options are to have a body scan done individually, or have it included in a personal training package. The price can turn some clients away, particularly those who don't want to spend more than they have to at the gym.

Analyzing the readout of a body scanner also requires training. You need a coach who understands what the numbers mean and how to communicate the scanner's information to your clients.

Fortunately, this training is typically very intuitive and easy to complete. If you are looking to provide body composition analyses to your clients, 3D body scanners or body fat calipers are the two best options.

Skinfold calipers are a less expensive option but rely heavily on outdated assumptions to make their equations work. They must also be operated with extreme precision in order to ensure accurate results.

They provide a more interactive and holistic look at an individual's overall body composition. The results of 3D body scans can also be used to customize fitness plans for your clients.

In the battle of 3D body scanners vs. body fat calipers, you're the one who gets to decide the victor. At the end of the day, you have to make the decision about which instrument is right for your fitness club.

Now that you know how each instrument works, as well as the pros and cons of each, you can make the best and most informed decision for your gym. For more tips on running your fitness center, check out some of our other articles today.

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What Are Body Fat Calipers? Pros Using body fat calipers offers people a much better assessment of their overall health than a scale or BMI results. Cons Body fat calipers only measure an individual's subcutaneous fat.

That person must be extremely precise when taking the measurements Each measurement site must be located exactly and marked with an X to ensure proper jaw placement. What Are 3D Body Scanners? Pros A 3D body scanner's accuracy is significantly higher than that of body fat calipers.

Cons When it comes to body scanner pros and cons, the price point tends to be the biggest issue for fitness center owners. Body Fat Calipers If you are looking to provide body composition analyses to your clients, 3D body scanners or body fat calipers are the two best options.

Written by Tracy Morrell Director at React Fitness Limited with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. Previous Post.

Weight g. Dimensions: mm. x mm. Holtain - this instrument was developed in close collaboration with the London University Institute of Child Health. It provides a measuring range: 0 mm to 48 mm with 0. Body Caliper - a modern new design plastic caliper. Each unit is individually calibrated using the patented AccuSpring TM technology, said to give a lifetime of accurate readings.

Product ships with a video describing its use. Sanny Professional Skinfold Caliper - a highly accurate professional skinfold caliper. The Sanny caliper has the same jaw area 90 sq. mm jaw length and jaw pressure gms as the Harpenden caliper and features the world famous highly accurate Starrett dial gage which reads with a resolution of 0.

It has a very comfortable grip and easy to work actuating lever. Fat-O-Meter - an economy skinfold caliper with a spring-loaded arm and 50mm scale. There are many other types or brands of calipers around, but not as commonly used.

Some of the other types available include:. We have over fitness tests listed, so it's not easy to choose the best one to use. You should consider the validity, reliability, costs and ease of use for each test. Use our testing guide to conducting, recording, and interpreting fitness tests.

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privacy policy disclaimer copyright. contact author info advertising. Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know. Search This Site. The scanner creates a 3D avatar of the person that they can use to see their exact measurements. It also displays metrics such as body fat percentage and lean muscle mass.

These readings are used to create a targeted workout and diet plan. Repeated body scans allow clients to see their physical development in real-time.

It analyzes the body's entire composition to provide a holistic look at a person's physical health. A 3D body scanner's accuracy is significantly higher than that of body fat calipers. They can calculate total body composition with an error rate of only.

This is drastically lower than skinfold calipers' rate of error. Body scanners are also significantly less invasive than body fat calipers. To have an assessment done with calipers, clients have to strip down to their underwear and let a professional circle their body and pinch skinfolds.

For customers who are self-conscious about their bodies, this can be an incredibly intimidating process. Form-fitting clothing works best for accuracy and helps customers feel more comfortable with the process.

Our body scanners also have a self-scanning mode. This allows clients to scan themselves without a professional in the room with them. It allows an extra level of privacy for those who desire it.

Once the scan has been completed, the client is then presented with an interactive 3D representation of their body. Coaches can rotate, pan, and zoom to view the body from any angle. This is a more engaging and visual tool to use when having conversations with clients about their fitness.

Body scanners also tell users the exact type and location of their body fat. The system can illustrate how fitness and nutrition programs impact their overall body composition.

Trainers can use these results to build customized workout and nutrition plans to target specific areas where body fat is present. Our body scanners are also lightweight and portable. You can pack them up and take them to other locations.

This frees you from the restriction of operating in a single facility and allows you to perform fitness assessments wherever you want. When it comes to body scanner pros and cons, the price point tends to be the biggest issue for fitness center owners.

It's up to you to decide whether that investment is worth it for your fitness center. Many gym owners chose to charge clients for body scans.

Typically, the options are to have a body scan done individually, or have it included in a personal training package.

The price can turn some clients away, particularly those who don't want to spend more than they have to at the gym. Analyzing the readout of a body scanner also requires training. You need a coach who understands what the numbers mean and how to communicate the scanner's information to your clients.

Fortunately, this training is typically very intuitive and easy to complete. If you are looking to provide body composition analyses to your clients, 3D body scanners or body fat calipers are the two best options.

Skinfold calipers are a less expensive option but rely heavily on outdated assumptions to make their equations work.

They must also be operated with extreme precision in order to ensure accurate results. They provide a more interactive and holistic look at an individual's overall body composition. The results of 3D body scans can also be used to customize fitness plans for your clients.

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Home Articles How to Measure Body Fat Using Calipers. How to Measure Body Fat Using Calipers Published: Updated: What are Calipers?

This is also commonly known as the 'skinfold test' or 'pinch test'. Estimates will not be accurate for all people, such as athletes or those with high muscle mass 1 Calipers may not open wide enough to take measurements in obese subjects How to Take Measurements Using Calipers Technique is important when using calipers to take skinfold measurements.

We have compiled these guidelines to help take more accurate caliper measurements; Take measurements on the right side of the body Grab a fold of skin and use the caliper to measure thickness to the nearest 0.

Related Articles How to Measure Body Fat. Always consult your GP before undertaking any form of weight loss, fitness or exercise. Categories General Health and Fitness Managing Your Health and Fitness Fitness Goals Types of Training Community Fitness Equipment Fitness Skills Fitstream Home Gym.

Track your body and be inspired. About Get in touch Terms Privacy Policy Site Map. Follow flowapp. For men only, take a diagonal skinfold 45 degree angle half way between the nipple and outer chest anterior axillary line. Can use vertical or horizontal skinfold although must ensure consistency on the midaxillary line down the side of the torso at the level of the xiphoid process base of the centre column in rib cage.

Take a diagonal skinfold measured cm below the inferior angle of the scapula towards middle of back on right hand side.

Commonly used methods include;. Technique is important when using calipers to take skinfold measurements. We have compiled these guidelines to help take more accurate caliper measurements;. Now that you know what calipers are, how they're used, and of the different measurement sites we're going to introduce you to some formulas to produce your actual BF estimate.

There are actually over different formulas out there. Each equation relates to different populations, ages and characteristic types which skew the statistical model output. Obviously it's best to use a formula that more closely matches your own profile.

We've chosen two of the most popular formulas used which should work for most of our readers. It's also worth noting that you don't have to convert your skinfold measurements to a body fat estimate at all.

Instead you can just monitor the changes in skinfold measurements at various body sites. Also note that there are many calculators online that will take your measurements and give you your end body fat estimate automatically.

What we're actually doing is showing your formula behind the scenes to give you insight into the factors at play.

The Jackson-Pollock formula is a commonly used and validated method that uses skinfold measurements to predict body fat. There is an equation for men and women and two variations to the method which involve either taking 7 measurement readings or 3.

We're using the 7 site measurement method in the example below 2 3. Once you have your bone density value from step two, you can calcuate your body fat percentage using the formula below;. Note that the formula above is the 7-site Jackson Pollock method because it involves taking 7 different body measurements that are then entered into the formula.

There is also 4-site and 3-site Jackson Pollock methods which require fewer measurements but are less accurate as a result. The measurement points for these methods are shown below;.

The Parillo equation for estimating body fat is another simple skinfold measurement method but it requires nine different body readings and has no gender differentiation.

We've created the chart below to help illustate the calculation process. Here are the steps to populate it:. Note that this chart is based on the Parillo equation and therefore captures 9 different measurements.

If you use a different equation simple add or remove the appropriate measurement sites. If you populate this table for yourself you will probably find that there is variance between most of the site readings M1, M2, M3.

By taking average readings of M1, M2 and M3 we can help smooth out the inaccuracies. The value you now have is probably good enough for most people, but if you want to take things a step further to check accuracy you can work with your average highest and average lowest readings too as we've captured in the table above.

If you take an average of your highest and lowest body fat, this should be very similar to the first average you calculated. The Fitstream Body Tracking tool is free to use and designed to track all important body metrics and capture body photos.

You can build a story of how your body is changing over time. Thousands of people around the world are using are system to stay motivated and inspire others with their progress. The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice.

We are Are you on track to achieving your fitness goals? Do they work and how accurate are they? Get the facts here and some feedback from the pros. When one considers the emphasis many place on achieving their best possible shape physically, it is no surprise the supplement and training industries are booming.

There are many approaches to getting, and staying, in shape, with the majority of these revolving around diets and training plans. However, to achieve superior conditioning, many turn to new and innovative ways to measure their progress.

Body-fat measurement has for some time been considered an ideal way to chart physical improvement, with various skin-fold techniques generally considered the most convenient, accessible and cost-effective way.

Indeed, the measurements taken from a skin-fold body-fat test, provide a very good indication of ones body-fat levels. Although a good way in which to chart progress, it should be said that calipers cannot be totally accurate. In fact, in some circles it is thought that skin-fold measurements, not body-fat percentage, will provide greater accuracy when monitoring changes.

Rob Thoburn, scientific advisor for BSN nutrition , remembers using calipers in exactly this way. We wouldn't use any complicated formula to figure out our body fat percentage. We simply added up the measurements we got with the calipers on different locations in the body.

As long as you have the same person maybe yourself take measurements in the same way each time, then you will get relatively useful data. In today's world, many either want to rid themselves of excess body-fat to improve their health, enhance their physical presence, or both.

As bodybuilders, we generally want to shed any visible body-fat to accentuate underlying muscles, and highlight hard-fought definition. To plan for this fat-loss, it is important to know exactly where one is at and to regularly chart progress for ongoing results.

Body-fat percentage can be ascertained and monitored with caliper testing. Calipers are the apparatus used to measure various skin-fold thicknesses, at specific sites, to acquire a percentage value. Generally speaking, a successful result is one which places an individual within a desirable range for their gender and age.

Bodybuilders and other fitness enthusiasts, on the other hand, often have vastly different expectations in terms of shedding body-fat. While a percentage is classed as low for the average year-old male, the average bodybuilder, in this bracket, would probably consider this to be unacceptably high, even as an off-season measurement.

Many bodybuilders, and general fitness exponents, keep their body-fat at around percent within striking distance of a competition, or simply to look good year round. Despite being used for decades to measure body-fat among the general population and pro athletes , the jury is still out on the efficiency and efficacy of caliper testing.

Indeed, other methods such as hydrostatic weighing are thought to be superior. However, in most clinical or applied situations, underwater hydrostatic weighing is impractical. This article, therefore, will analyze the different methods, and review the various types of caliper testing, to gain a broader perspective on how they can benefit those wanting to improve their health and body shape.

The amount of body-fat a person carries can make a tremendous difference to their body shape and health. Because muscle tissue is more compact than fat, any deposition of fat, due to its tendency to balloon out, will cover a greater area than that of muscle.

Fat also tends to congregate in specific places primarily on the stomach in men and around the hips and buttocks in women. These factors affect overall body shape in a negative way, thus contributing to a disproportionate physique and unhealthy look.

In terms of health effects, excess fat can add stress to the joints, and cause postural problems. It is also linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

Measuring body-fat is important for several reasons. To gain an indication of how much fat ones body is composed of serves as a starting point for a weight-loss program. In fact, measuring body-fat regularly can serve to motivate and help an individual make any necessary modifications to their program.

The most common fats in out body are the triglycerides. These come from oils, butter and other natural sources. Lipids are also the body's most concentrated source of energy, yielding around nine calories per gram as opposed to protein and carbohydrate, which contain about four. Lipids are stored as droplets in fats cells.

Calipers work by pulling subcutaneous fat fat directly under the skin away from the muscle with the tongs situated at their ends. Several predetermined sites are measured by a gauge that records the thickness of the pinch created by the tongs.

An equation can be used to determine body-fat percentage, or the skin-fold thicknesses, on their own, can be used to gauge progress. The caliper testing method of body-fat measurement works on the notion that percent of total body fat lies under the skin. Abdominal: direction of fold is vertical, and is taken two centimeters to the side of the umbilicus.

Thigh: direction of fold is vertical, and is taken on the anterior aspect of thigh, midway between inguinal crease and proximal border of patella. Bodyweight should be shifted to the left foot throughout. Waist: direction of fold is diagonal, and is taken above iliac crest along the anterior axillary line.

Thigh: direction of fold is vertical, and is taken on anterior aspect of thigh, midway between inguinal crease and proximal border of patella.

After summarizing the measurements taken from the sites listed above, a chart developed by Jackson and Pollock can be referred to, and body-fat percentage can be noted.