Directions for How to Use Skin Calipers

Bodybuilders use skin calipers as a quick way to measure body fat.

Skin calipers are a small tool you can use to perform a skinfold measurement. The calipers grip the skin and underlying layer of fat, measuring the thickness of the skinfold in millimeters. Take measurements at specific sites on the body and then use a simple equation to estimate the total body fat percentage. This is a common technique that medical professionals, bodybuilders and athletes use as a quick way to estimate total body fat.

Instructions

1. Grip the skin fold between the fingers of your left hand. Make sure you are holding both skin and fat, but are not gripping any muscle.

2. Take the skin calipers in your right hand, and position the jaws of the skin caliper over the skin fold, just below (or to the side) of your fingers. Maintain a firm grip on the skinfold with the left hand. The calipers should be positioned about 1/4 inch from the fingers of the left hand.

3. Release the skin caliper trigger and allow the jaws to grip the skin with full force. Keep holding on to the skin with the left hand.

4. Refer to the scale at the opposite end of the calipers to take the reading. If the scale is moving, wait a few seconds until this movement slows down before taking the reading. Continue to grip the skin fold with the left hand until the reading is recorded.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're left handed, grip the skin with your right hand and hold the calipers in your left hand.

• The subject may experience a small amount of pain or discomfort when this procedure is performed. This is completely normal.

References

• Muscle & Strength: How To Measure Your Body Fat % Using Calipers