Skin fold measurements that you can take with body fat calipers provide an inexpensive, noninvasive method to measure body composition, track the progress of an exercise regimen and calculate body fat percentage. The method carries a 3 percent margin of error, if performed correctly, according to Georgia State University’s Department of Kinesiology and Health.
Step 1
Calibrate the calipers before you begin. Many sets require calibration with separately purchased equipment. while others are termed self-calibrating. Calipers must exert a force of 10 g per square mm, according to the Sports Fitness Advisor, which promotes “scientifically backed fitness advice.”
Step 2
Measure skin folds at seven locations: chest, triceps, subscapular, axilla, suprailiac, abdomen and thigh. Pinch the chest halfway diagonally between the armpit and the nipple. Take the triceps measurement with a vertical pinch, halfway between the shoulder and the elbow. The subscapular measurement is a diagonal fold following the inside angle of the shoulder blade. Use a diagonal fold for the suprailiac as well, just above the upper prominent curve of the pelvis. The axilla measurement should be exactly half way up the outer ribcage, under the arm, pinching either vertically or horizontally. Abdominal measurements can be either vertical or horizontal, taken 2 cm to the right of the navel.
Step 3
Pinch two layers of skin, including the underlying tissue, but not the muscle. Attach the calipers 1 cm below the pinch and at a right angle to the fold.
Step 4
Measure at each location more than once. Slight variances in the angle of the calipers or the amount of skin drawn can make a difference. Take two measurements minimum, and if there is a large discrepancy between them, take a third reading, and average the results.
Things You'll Need
- Body fat calipers
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