How To Calculate Body Fat Using A Caliper

Body fat percentage is a parameter that is used to measure the amount of subcutaneous fat under the skin. This is important because in a lot of situations, people can start an exercise program and not see any change in scale weight yet notice their clothes are fitting better. That is what happens when you lose body fat and gain muscle mass. One way to determine your body fat percentage is with a caliper, which is a tool that pinches the skin to get an average body fat percentage.

Step 1

Find your spots. Various body fat caliper makers will recommend measuring three to nine skinfolds on the right side of the body. For quick reference, three spots are generally used. For men, the first spot is a diagonal skinfold in the upper chest at the center point between the shoulder joint and the nipple. The second spot is a vertical skinfold 5 cm to the right of the navel. The third spot is a vertical skinfold on the top of the thigh in the center. For women, the first spot is a vertical skinfold in the center of the tricep muscle. The second spot is a diagonal skinfold right above the pelvic bone. The third spot is the same as with men.

Step 2

Get your individual site measurements. Pinch the first site with your fingers so you have doubled the skin over and you have nothing but fat. Place the calipers perpendicular and 1 cm below the top of the fold. Read the number on the caliper, which will be in millimeters. Release the fold and do the same thing two more times for that same location. Add the numbers together and divide by three. Now do the same thing for the other skinfolds and write down your measurements for each site.

Step 3

Get your overall results. After you have averaged each individual skinfold, add these three measurements together and divide by three. Take this number and compare it to the chart that comes with your caliper. It will then give you your body fat percentage. There will be a separate chart for men and women.

Step 4

Use a one-step method. For example, an Accu-Measure caliper requires only one skinfold. It has a slide member that clicks into a slot to give you your reading. To use this caliper, make a horizontal skinfold about an inch above your hip bone on the right side of your body. Place the calipers there, about 1 cm down. Press the caliper with your thumb at the designated area until you hear a "click." This is when the slide member locks into place and gives you your reading. Repeat process two more times, add the numbers together and divide by three. Then check with the chart that comes with it to get your body fat percentage.