•  
  •  

Measuring Body Fat With a Caliper

Picture of using a caliper to measure body fat

Using a high-quality professional tool called a caliper, a trained tester typically measures body fat at 3 to 9 sites on the body. The tester first pinches the skin and the fat that lies under the skin and pulls the skin and fat away from the muscle. The tester then places the caliper 1 cm (0.4 in.) above or below the pinch and reads the measurement from the caliper dial. Usually about two or three measurements are taken at each site.

Body fat measurements can vary depending on who takes the measurement. To see if your body fat level has changed, it's best to get measured by the same person.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Last Revised October 21, 2011

Last Revised: October 21, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.