Manual de Antropometría

Caliper
How to Take a Caliper Reading

1. Choose the appropriate formula based on the subjects age, gender and
fitness level.
2. Have the subject stand relaxed as you carefully mark the skinfold sites with
water soluble ink. If necessary, use a tape measure to find the mid-point
sites. Make sure there is no clothing blocking the measurement sites.
3. Place the caliper in your hand and grasp the first skinfold with the thumb
and index finger of your left hand.
4. With your fingers about 2-3 inches apart, gently pull skinfold away from
body. Note: If the site contains a large amount of fat, you will need to
increase the distance between your thumb and index finger in order to grasp
and pull the fold.
5. With your right hand, open the caliper jaws, and place caliper tips over the
skinfold about 1/2 inch away from thumb and finger. The caliper heads
should be halfway between crest and base of fold. Right in the middle of the
fold.
6. The caliper must be perpendicular to skinfold. Note that the images here
show the caliper at a slight angle so that you are able to see the correct
measurement site.
7. Gently begin to apply caliper pressure. Keep the fold elevated, and maintain
the pinch with your thumb and index finger as you allow caliper reading to
stabilize.
8. Read the measurement within 3-4 seconds.
9. Record the measurement to nearest 0.5 mm. Take only one reading, and
then move onto the next skinfold site.
10. Once you have taken one reading for each required skinfold site, start from
the beginning and take repeat readings at each site. If the second reading is
more than 1 mm apart from your first reading, take a third measurement,
and record the average score of closest 2 values.
Points to Remember
Take all measurements on the right side of the body.
Advise the subject to use the restroom before beginning.
Measurements should not be taken on broken, damaged or unhealthy skin.
Do not use skinfold measurements on obese individuals. It is best to take
their initial measurements using the circumference methods.
Wash your hands and clean the caliper ends with alcohol pads before and
after the reading.
Do not take measurements after physical activity or when your subject is
overheated. The added fluid under the skin may increase skinfold thickness.
To grab the skinfolds easily and correctly, make sure that the subjects skin
is dry and lotion free.
Always use the same caliper, same formula and take the readings at the
same time of day, for consistent monitoring of composition changes.
Avoid measuring women during the menstrual cycle when there is
significant or noticeable weight gain.
If available, check the accuracy of your caliper with a calibration block
regularly.
Experience is necessary to consistently grasp the correct size skinfold in the
correct location. Practice until you get consistent results.
MALE
Chest
A DIAGONAL fold taken halfway between the nipple and the front
of the underarm crease (anterior axillary line). The fold should be
parallel to the edge of the pectoral muscle. Note: The anterior
axillary line is the crease where the top of the arm meets the chest.
Site Location
Site Reading
Bicep
A VERTICAL fold taken on the front of the upper arm, halfway
between the shoulder and elbow joint, directly over the belly of the
bicep muscle.
Site Location
Site Reading
Arms should be relaxed at the side of the body, with palms

facing forward.
Technical Description: The anterior surface of the biceps,
midway between the anterior auxiliary fold and the
antecubital fossa.
Midaxila
A HORIZONTAL fold on the midaxillary line (below the armpit),
level with the bottom of the sternum or breastbone.
Site Location
Site Reading
Arm must be moved out slightly to take reading.

Abdomen
A VERTICAL fold taken 2 cm (about 3/4 of an inch) to the right of
the navel (umbilicus).
Site Location
Site Reading
Subject should stand relaxed and breathe normally.
Alternate Abdomen Site Description

A HORIZONTAL fold taken 2 cm (about 3/4 of an inch) to the right
of the navel (umbilicus).
Site Location
Site Reading

Suprailiac
A DIAGONAL fold just above, and in front of the hip bone (Iliac
crest). The fold will follow the natural 45 degree angle of the hip
bone.
Site Location
Site Reading
Thigh
A VERTICAL fold taken in the middle of the thigh, halfway between
the top of the thigh and the knee cap.
Site Location
Site Reading
To find the middle the thigh, have the subject flex the right
thigh to find the top, then use a tape measure to measure
from the top of the thigh to the top of the knee.
When taking the reading, the leg should be straight and
relaxed.
Make sure the subject stands with their weight supported on
the opposite leg.
Technical Description: A vertical fold on the anterior midline
of the thigh, midway between the proximal border of the
patella and the inguinal crease.
Subscapular
A DIAGONAL fold taken 1-2 cm (3/4 to 1.5) below the shoulder
blade (scapula), following the natural angle of the shoulder blade.
Site Location
Site Reading
If needed, subject can place their right arm behind back to

help locate the site.
Technical Description: A fold taking a diagonal line coming
from the vertebral border to 1-2 cm below the inferior angle
of the scapula.
Tricep
A VERTICAL fold taken on the back of the upper arm, halfway
between the shoulder and elbow joint, directly over the tricep.
Site Location
Site Reading
Arms should be relaxed at the side of the body.
To find the middle of the upper arm, use a tape measure to

measure from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the
elbow.
Technical Description: Vertical fold on the posterior midline
of the upper arm, over the triceps muscle, halfway between
the acromion process (bony protrusion on the top of the
shoulder) and olecranon process (bony process on elbow).
Lower Back
A HORIZONTAL fold about 2 inches to the right of the spine,
directly over the kidney. The site should be about 1 above the level
of the umbilicus.
Site Location
Site Reading
Calf
A VERTICAL fold taken on the inside of the lower leg at the level of
maximum calf width.
Site Location
Site Reading
Bend leg 90 degrees by placing it on a chair if standing,

or simply sit and place feet flat on the floor.
FEMALE
Chest
A DIAGONAL fold taken halfway between the nipple and the front
of the underarm crease (anterior axillary line). The fold should be
parallel to the edge of the pectoral muscle. Note: The anterior
axillary line is the crease where the top of the arm meets the chest.
Site Location
Bicep
Site Reading
A VERTICAL fold taken on the front of the upper arm, halfway

between the shoulder and elbow joint, directly over the belly of the
bicep muscle.
Site Location
Site Reading
Arms should be relaxed at the side of the body, with palms

facing forward.
Technical Description: The anterior surface of the biceps,
midway between the anterior auxiliary fold and the
antecubital fossa.
Midaxila
A HORIZONTAL fold on the midaxillary line (below the armpit),
level with the bottom of the sternum or breastbone.
Site Location
Site Reading
Arm must be moved out slightly to take reading

Abdomen
A VERTICAL fold taken 2 cm (about 3/4 of an inch) to the right of
the navel (umbilicus).
Site Location
Site Reading

Suprailiac
A DIAGONAL fold just above, and in front of the hip bone (Iliac
crest). The fold will follow the natural 45 degree angle of the hip
bone.
Site Location
Site Reading

Thigh
A VERTICAL fold taken in the middle of the thigh, halfway between
the top of the thigh and the knee cap.
Site Location
Site Reading
To find the middle the thigh, have the subject flex the right
thigh to find the top, then use a tape measure to measure
from the top of the thigh to the top of the knee.
When taking the reading, the leg should be straight and
relaxed.
Make sure the subject stands with their weight supported on
the opposite leg.
Technical Description: A vertical fold on the anterior midline

of the thigh, midway between the proximal border of the
patella and the inguinal crease.
Subscapular
A DIAGONAL fold taken 1-2 cm (3/4 to 1.5) below the shoulder
blade (scapula), following the natural angle of the shoulder blade.
Site Location
Site Reading
If needed, subject can place their right arm behind back to

help locate the site.
Technical Description: A fold taking a diagonal line coming
from the vertebral border to 1-2 cm below the inferior angle
of the scapula.
Tricep
A VERTICAL fold taken on the back of the upper arm, halfway
between the shoulder and elbow joint, directly over the tricep.
Site Location
Site Reading
Arms should be relaxed at the side of the body.

To find the middle of the upper arm, use a tape measure to
measure from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the
elbow.
Technical Description: Vertical fold on the posterior midline
of the upper arm, over the triceps muscle, halfway between
the acromion process (bony protrusion on the top of the
shoulder) and olecranon process (bony process on elbow).
Lower Back
A HORIZONTAL fold about 2 inches to the right of the spine,
directly over the kidney. The site should be about 1 above the level
of the umbilicus.
Site Location
Site Reading
Calf
A VERTICAL fold taken on the inside of the lower leg at the level of
maximum calf width.
Site Location
Site Reading
Bend leg 90 degrees by placing it on a chair if standing,

or simply sit and place feet flat on the floor.
Circumferences
How to Take Tape Measurements
1. Subject should stand relaxed, with feet together and the arms at the sides.
2. Identify the measurement site.
3. Holding the beginning of the tape measure (the zero end) with your left
hand, wrap the tape around the subject and grasp the other end in your right
hand.
4. Next, position your left hand slightly below the other end of the tape that is in
your right hand.
5. Check to make sure that the tape is level and horizontal all the way around
the measurement area. An unlevel tape will give an incorrect reading.
6. Pull the tape snugly to reduce the slack, but not too tightly. You should not
cause an indentation in the skin. Too much tension will give an incorrect
reading.
7. Record the measurement to the nearest 1/16 of an inch, or the nearest
millimeter.
8. Take 2 measurements at each site. If they differ greatly, re-measure until
you obtain a similar reading.
Points to Remember
Advise the subject to use the restroom before beginning.
Always make sure to keep the tape parallel to the floor for all
measurements. It may be necessary to have an assistant check around the
subject to make sure the tape is horizontal.
Women may give incorrect circumference readings during menstruation due
to additional water retention.
MALE
Waist
With a relaxed abdomen

(stomach), measure around
the narrowest part of the
torso. This is usually at the
level just below the bottom of
the rib cage and above navel
(umbilicus).
Take the measurement as
the subject exhales. No
clothing should cover the
measuring site. If necessary
women can wear a swimsuit.
Hips
While standing relaxed,
measure horizontally around
the largest part of the hips
and buttocks.
The subject can wear loose
fitting shorts, swimwear or
lycra.
Neck
Measure horizontally, just
below the Adams apple.
It may be necessary to slope
the tape downward slightly in
the front to bypass the
Adams apple.
Abdomen
With a relaxed stomach,
the torso at its widest
circumference. This is
typically at the level of the
navel (umbilicus).
Take the measurement as
the subject exhales. No
clothing should cover the
measuring site.
Chest
Standing relaxed, measure
horizontally, around the
largest part of the chest.
No clothing should cover the
measuring site. The subject
can wear loose fitting tshirts, or swimwear.
Upper Arm
Standing with arms relaxed,
measure the upper arm
horizontally at the mid-point
between the top of the
shoulder and the elbow.
measuring site.
Calf
While standing relaxed, with legs
slightly apart, measure horizontally
around the widest part of the calf.
measuring site.
Thigh
While standing relaxed with legs
slightly apart, measure horizontally at
the widest part of the thigh. This will
typically be halfway down the thigh.
measuring site.
FEMALE
Waist
With a relaxed abdomen
(stomach), measure around the
narrowest part of the torso. This
is usually at the level just below
the bottom of the rib cage and
above navel (umbilicus).
Take the measurement as the
subject exhales. No clothing
should cover the measuring

site. If necessary women can
wear a swimsuit.
Hips
While standing relaxed,
the largest part of the hips
and buttocks.
The subject can wear loose
fitting shorts, swimwear or
lycra.
Neck
Measure horizontally, just below
the Adams apple.
It may be necessary to slope the
tape downward slightly in the
front to bypass the Adams apple.
Abdomen
With a relaxed stomach,
the torso at its widest
circumference. This is typically
at the level of the navel
(umbilicus).
Take the measurement as the
subject exhales. No clothing

should cover the measuring
site.
Chest
Standing relaxed, measure
horizontally, around the largest
part of the chest.
measuring site. The subject can
wear loose fitting t-shirts, or
swimwear.
Upper Arm
Standing with arms relaxed, measure
the upper arm horizontally at the midpoint between the top of the shoulder
and the elbow.
No clothing should cover the measuring
site.
Calf
While standing relaxed, with legs
slightly apart, measure horizontally
around the widest part of the calf.
measuring site.
Thigh
While standing relaxed with legs
slightly apart, measure horizontally at
the widest part of the thigh. This will
typically be halfway down the thigh.
measuring site.
FORMULES
Durnin & Womersley 4-Site, Male
a. Body Density = 1.1714 (0.063*log S) - 0.000406*Age
b. Bodyfat % = (495/Body Density) - 450
1. Bicep: A VERTICAL fold taken on the
front of the upper arm, halfway between
the shoulder and elbow joint, directly
over the belly of the bicep muscle.
2. Suprailiac: A DIAGONAL fold just above,
and in front of the hip bone (Iliac crest).
The fold will follow the natural 45-degree
angle of the hip bone.
3. Subscapular: A DIAGONAL fold taken 12 cm (3/4 to 1.5) below the shoulder
blade (scapula), following the natural
angle of the shoulder blade.
4. Tricep: A VERTICAL fold taken on the
back of the upper arm, halfway between
over the tricep.
5. Age: In years.
Reference:
1. Durnin J.V.G.A. and J. Womersley, 1974. Body fat assessed from total body density and its
estimation from Skinfold Thickness. Measurement on 381 men and women aged 16 to 72
years. British Journal of Nutrition, 32(1), 77-92.
2. Siri, A.W. Body composition from fluid spaces and density: Analysis of methods. In:
Techniques for measuring body composition, J. Brozek and A. Hanschels, ed. National
Academy of Science, National Research Council, Washington, DC, pp. 223-244. 1961.
Jackson & Pollock 7-Site, Male

This formula is recommended for non-obese men ages 18-60.
a. Body Density = 1.112 (0.00043499*S) + (0.00000055*S2) (0.00028826*Age)
b. Bodyfat_% = 495/Body_Density - 450
1. Chest: A DIAGONAL fold taken halfway

between the nipple and the front of the
underarm crease. The fold should be
parallel to the edge of the pectoral
muscle.
2. Midaxilla: A HORIZONTAL fold on the
midaxillary line (below the armpit), level
with the bottom of the sternum or
breastbone.
3. Abdomen: A VERTICAL fold taken 2 cm
(about ? of an inch) to the right of the
navel (umbilicus).

5. Thigh: A VERTICAL fold taken in the
middle of the thigh, halfway between the
top of the thigh and the knee cap.
over the tricep.
8. Age: In years.
Reference:
1. A.S. Jackson and M.L. Pollock. Generalized equations for predicting body density of men.
British Journal of Nutrition, 40(3):497-504, Nov 1978.

(about 3/4 of an inch) to the right of the
navel (umbilicus).
over the tricep.
5. Age: In years.
Reference:
1. Practical assessment of body composition. Jackson, A.S., Pollock, M.L. The Physician and
Sportsmedicine, 13:76-90, 1985.

This is the most commonly used male body fat formula. This formula is recommended for
non-obese men ages 18-60.
b. Bodyfat % = 495/Body Density - 450
1. Chest: A DIAGONAL fold taken halfway between the nipple

and the front of the underarm crease. The fold should be
parallel to the edge of the pectoral muscle.
2. Abdomen: A VERTICAL fold taken 2 cm (about 3/4 of an
inch) to the right of the navel (umbilicus).
3. Thigh: A VERTICAL fold taken in the middle of the thigh,
halfway between the top of the thigh and the knee cap.
4. Age: In years.
Reference:
1. A.S. Jackson and M.L. Pollock. Generalized equations for predicting body density of men.
British Journal of Nutrition, 40(3):497-504, Nov 1978.
Pollock, Schmidt & Jackson 3-Site, Male

b. Bodyfat % = 495/Body Density - 450

muscle.
over the tricep.
4. Age: In years.
Reference:
1. Measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in the clinical setting. M.L.
Pollock, D.H. Schmidt, and A.S. Jackson. Comprehensive Therapy, 6:12-27, 1980.
Parillo 9-Site, Male

Bodyfat % = (27*S)/Body Weight (Body Weight is in pounds)

muscle.
2. Bicep: A VERTICAL fold taken on the
front of the upper arm, halfway between
over the belly of the bicep muscle.
navel (umbilicus).
over the tricep.
8. Lower Back: A HORIZONTAL fold about
2 inches to the right of the spine, directly
over the kidneys. The site should be
about 1 above the level of the umbilicus.
9. Calf: A VERTICAL fold taken on the

inside of the lower leg at the level of
maximum calf width.
10. Weight: Wear light clothing, no shoes,
accessories or long pants.
Reference:
1. J. Parrillo and M. Greenwood-Robinson. High-performance bodybuilding. Berkeley
Publishing Group, NY, 169-172.
Lohman 3-Site, Male

a. Body Density = 1.0982 (0.000815*S) + (0.0000084*S2)
b. Bodyfat % = 495/Body_Density - 450
navel (umbilicus).
over the tricep.
Reference:
1. Skinfolds and body density and their relation to body fatness: A review. T.G. Lohman.
Human Biology, 53(2):181-225, May 1981.
Forsythe & Sinning 4-Site, Male

a. Body Density=1.10647 - 0.00144*[Abdomen] - 0.00077*[Triceps] - 0.00162*[Subscapular] +
0.00071*[Axila]
1. Midaxilla: A HORIZONTAL fold on the
midaxillary line (below the armpit), level
with the bottom of the sternum or
breastbone.
navel (umbilicus).
over the tricep.
Reference:
1. The anthropometric estimation of body density and lean body weight of male athletes. H.L.
Forsyth & W.E. Sinning. Medicine and Science in Sports, 5(3):174-180, 1973.
Sloan 2-Site, Male

This formula should be used only for young men with visibly low body fat levels.
a. Body Density = 1.1043 - 0.001327*[Thigh] - 0.001310*[Subscapular]
Reference:
1. Estimation of body fat in young men. A.W. Sloan. Journal of Applied Physiology,
23(3),:311-315, Sep 1967.
Behnke Wilmore 1-Site, Male

This formula should be used only for young men with visibly low body fat levels.
1. Abdomen: A VERTICAL fold taken 2 cm (about 3/4 of an

inch) to the right of the navel (umbilicus).
2. Weight: Wear light clothing, no shoes, accessories or long
pants.
Reference:
1. Estimation of body fat in young men. A.W. Sloan. Journal of Applied Physiology,
23(3):311-315, Sept 1967.
Older Men 4-Site, Male

This formula should be used only for older men over 60.

navel (umbilicus).
over the tricep.
4. Calf: A VERTICAL fold taken on the
inside of the lower leg at the level of
maximum calf width.
5. Age: In years.
Reference:
1. Estimation of body fat from skinfold thickness in middle-aged and older men and women:
A multiple-component approach. Williams, D.T., Going, S.B., Lohman, T.G., Hewitt M.J.,
& Haber A.E. American Journal of Human Biology, 4:595-605, May 1992.
Boys 2-Site (Age 6-17), Male

This formula should be used only for boys under 18.
a.
b.
(1.21 * S) (0.008 * S2) 1.7

(1.33 * S) (0.013 * S2) 2.5
If the sum of triceps and subscapular measurements are >35, however, the following equations are
suggested:
a.
(0.783 * S) 1.6
b. (0.546 * S) + 9.7
1. Subscapular: A DIAGONAL fold taken 1-2 cm (3/4 to 1.5)

below the shoulder blade (scapula), following the natural
2. Tricep: A VERTICAL fold taken on the back of the upper arm,
halfway between the shoulder and elbow joint, directly over
the tricep.
Reference:
1. Skinfold equations for estimation of body fatness in children and youth. Slaughter, M.H.,
Lohman, T.G., Boileau, R.A., Horswill, C.A., Stillman, R.J., Van Loan, M.D., & Bemben
D.A. Human Biology, 60:709-723, 1988.
YMCA, Male
1. Waist: With a relaxed abdomen (stomach), measure around the

narrowest part of the torso. This is usually at the level just below
the bottom of the rib cage and above navel (umbilicus). Take the
measurement as the subject exhales. No clothing should cover
the measuring site. If necessary women can wear a swimsuit.
2. Weight: Wear light clothing, no shoes, accessories or long pants.
Reference:
1. YMCA guide to physical assessment.
Weltman & Tran, Male

This formula is recommended for obese men.
1. Waist: With a relaxed abdomen (stomach), measure around the

narrowest part of the torso. This is usually at the level just
below the bottom of the rib cage and above navel (umbilicus).
Take the measurement as the subject exhales. No clothing
should cover the measuring site. If necessary women can wear
a swimsuit.
2. Abdomen: With a relaxed stomach, measure horizontally
around the torso at its widest circumference. This is typically at
the level of the navel (umbilicus). Take the measurement as the
subject exhales. No clothing should cover the measuring site.
3. Weight: Wear light clothing, no shoes, accessories or long
pants.
Reference:
1. Practical assessment of body composition in adult obese males. Weltman, A., Seip, R.L., &
Tran, Z.V. Human Biology, 59:523-535, 1987.
US Navy, Male
1. Abdomen: With a relaxed stomach, measure horizontally around

the torso at its widest circumference. This is typically at the level
of the navel (umbilicus). Take the measurement as the subject
exhales. No clothing should cover the measuring site.
2. Neck: Measure horizontally, just below the Adams apple. It may
be necessary to slope the tape downward slightly in the front to
bypass the Adams apple.
3. Height: Standing relaxed, without shoes, measured to the nearest
inch (or cm).
Reference:
1. Prediction of percent body fat for U.S. navy men and women from body circumferences and
height. Hodgdon, J. and Beckett, M. Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California.
Reports No. 84-29 and 84-11, 1984.

Manual de Antropometría

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Caliper

How to Take a Caliper Reading

Arms should be relaxed at the side of the body, with palms

Arm must be moved out slightly to take reading.

Subject should stand relaxed and breathe normally.

Alternate Abdomen Site Description

Subject should stand relaxed and breathe normally.

Subject should stand relaxed and breathe normally.

If needed, subject can place their right arm behind back to

Arms should be relaxed at the side of the body.

To find the middle of the upper arm, use a tape measure to

Bend leg 90 degrees by placing it on a chair if standing,

A VERTICAL fold taken on the front of the upper arm, halfway

Arms should be relaxed at the side of the body, with palms

Arm must be moved out slightly to take reading

Subject should stand relaxed and breathe normally.

Subject should stand relaxed and breathe normally.

Technical Description: A vertical fold on the anterior midline

If needed, subject can place their right arm behind back to

Arms should be relaxed at the side of the body.

Bend leg 90 degrees by placing it on a chair if standing,

With a relaxed abdomen

should cover the measuring

subject exhales. No clothing

Jackson & Pollock 7-Site, Male

1. Chest: A DIAGONAL fold taken halfway

The fold will follow the natural 45-degree

Jackson & Pollock 4-Site, Male

1. Abdomen: A VERTICAL fold taken 2 cm

Jackson & Pollock 3-Site, Male

1. Chest: A DIAGONAL fold taken halfway between the nipple

Pollock, Schmidt & Jackson 3-Site, Male

1. Chest: A DIAGONAL fold taken halfway

Parillo 9-Site, Male

1. Chest: A DIAGONAL fold taken halfway

9. Calf: A VERTICAL fold taken on the

Lohman 3-Site, Male

Forsythe & Sinning 4-Site, Male

Sloan 2-Site, Male

Behnke Wilmore 1-Site, Male

1. Abdomen: A VERTICAL fold taken 2 cm (about 3/4 of an

Older Men 4-Site, Male

1. Abdomen: A VERTICAL fold taken 2 cm

Boys 2-Site (Age 6-17), Male

(1.21 * S) (0.008 * S2) 1.7

1. Subscapular: A DIAGONAL fold taken 1-2 cm (3/4 to 1.5)

1. Waist: With a relaxed abdomen (stomach), measure around the

Weltman & Tran, Male

1. Waist: With a relaxed abdomen (stomach), measure around the

1. Abdomen: With a relaxed stomach, measure horizontally around

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