Abdomen [Fold: Vertical]
Where: Vertical fold approximately 2cm to the right of the navel.
How: Keep the abdomen relaxed and measure a vertical fold 2cm to the right of the navel.
Skinfold Measurement Site Guide
Caliper Measurement Technique
- Measure on the right side of the body where possible.
- Mark all sites with water-soluble ink to ensure each reading is at the same site.
- Pinch skin and subcutaneous fat firmly between the index finger and thumb, and gently pull the skinfold away from the body.
- Keep muscle relaxed.
- Apply calipers approximately 1cm below fingers.
- Wait 1-2 seconds before reading.
- Take 2-3 readings for an average to provide a more accurate result.
- Measure under consistent conditions.
- Preferably measure at the same time of day.
- Experience and practice is required to obtain reliable results, keep tracking over time.
Biceps [Fold: Vertical]
Where: Vertical fold on the front of the upper arm at the triceps midpoint level.
How: Keep the arm relaxed with palm forward and measure the front upper-arm fold.
Chest [Fold: Diagonal]
Where: Diagonal fold halfway between the anterior axillary line (the crease where the top of the arm, when hanging down, meets the chest) and the nipple.
How: Stand relaxed. Pinch diagonally across the upper chest half way between the arm pit and nipple, and place calipers 1cm below the fingers.
Midaxillary [Fold: Vertical]
Where: Vertical fold on the midaxillary line (an imaginary line running straight down from the centre of your arm pit) level with the xiphoid process (the tip of your breastbone).
How: Raise the arm slightly, locate the side of the torso, and take a vertical fold.
Subscapular [Fold: Diagonal]
Where: Diagonal fold 1-2cm below the lower angle of the shoulder blade.
How: Follow the natural diagonal fold beneath the shoulder blade.
Suprailiac [Fold: Diagonal]
Where: Diagonal fold just above the iliac crest along the natural skin fold above the front hip bone. Where an imaginary line would come down from the anterior auxiliary line, just above the hip bone and 2-3cm forwards.
How: Measure above the hip bone following the natural diagonal line of the fold.
Thigh [Fold: Vertical]
Where: Vertical fold on the front midline of the thigh, midway between hip and knee.
How: Shift weight to the other leg, relax the thigh, and lift a vertical fold.
Triceps [Fold: Vertical]
Where: Vertical fold on the back of the upper arm, midway between shoulder and elbow.
How: Let the arm hang relaxed and measure at the midpoint over the triceps.