What is the Skinfold Method (Caliper Measurement)?

The Skinfold Method (caliperometry) is a method of measuring body fat percentage by determining the thickness of skinfold at specific body points using a caliper (special measuring instrument). The method is based on the fact that about 50% of fat deposits are in the subcutaneous layer, and fold thickness correlates with overall body fat percentage. Jackson-Pollock formulas (3, 4, or 7 sites) or Durnin-Womersley (4 sites) are used. With proper technique, accuracy is ±2-3%, comparable to more expensive methods.

How to Use the Skinfold Method?

A caliper (mechanical or digital) is needed for measurement. Standard measurement sites: triceps (back of upper arm), chest (diagonal fold between armpit and nipple), subscapular (below shoulder blade), abdomen (vertical fold 2 cm from navel), suprailiac (above hip bone), thigh (front surface midway between knee and groin), calf. Pinch a skin fold with fat between thumb and index finger, apply caliper 1 cm below fingers, take reading after 2 seconds. Measure each site 2-3 times and take the average. Enter data into calculator to calculate body fat percentage using Jackson-Pollock formula.

Skinfold Method Advantages and Features

• High accuracy of ±2-3% with proper technique - one of the best for home use
• Inexpensive equipment - caliper costs $10-80, lasts for years
• Ability to track fat changes in specific body areas (belly, thighs, arms)
• Scientifically validated formulas (Jackson-Pollock) tested on thousands of people with different body compositions

Frequently Asked Questions About Skinfold Method

What caliper is best to buy for home use?

For beginners, an inexpensive plastic caliper like Accu-Measure ($10-20) or Slim Guide ($8-15) is suitable. For more serious use - Lange caliper (professional, $150-300) or Harpenden (gold standard, $400+). Mechanical calipers are more accurate than cheap digital ones. Measurement technique is more important than caliper type. You can get accurate results even with a simple plastic caliper if measuring correctly. Most importantly - consistency: use the same caliper for tracking dynamics.

Can skinfolds be measured independently?

Some sites can be measured independently: triceps, abdomen, suprailiac (side), thigh, calf. Difficult to self-measure: subscapular, chest, mid-back. For self-measurements, use the 3-site Jackson-Pollock formula (for men: chest, abdomen, thigh; for women: triceps, suprailiac, thigh) or simplified 1-site formula (abdomen). For maximum accuracy, ask a partner, trainer, or use the 7-site formula with assistance. With self-measurement, accuracy decreases to ±4-5%, but this is sufficient for tracking dynamics.

How to avoid errors when measuring skinfolds?

Common errors: measuring at wrong sites (2-3 cm deviation gives error), pinching muscle along with skin (inflates result), too weak or strong fold pinch, measuring immediately after training (muscle swelling), measuring during dehydration. Correct technique: always measure at the same sites (can mark with a pen), pinch fold vertically, pull away from muscle, apply caliper perpendicular to fold, take reading after 2 seconds (don't hold longer), measure in morning on empty stomach before training, take 2-3 measurements of each site and take average.