How to Calculate BMI With Calipers

BMI, or body mass index, is an estimate of a person's body fat and is calculated by taking height and weight measurements. The higher a person's BMI, the greater the chance he has of developing a disease like diabetes or high blood pressure. BMI typically provides a good measure of a person's body fat, but it has limitations. BMI does not account for the amount of muscle in the body and body fat percentage. For a more accurate assessment of body fat, it helps to use a tool like a caliper that can better calculate body fat.

Instructions

1

Take your thumb and forefinger on both hands and firmly draw up the skin and fat area to be measured. Do not include the muscle. For women, the three areas to be measured include the triceps, the top of the hip and the abdomen. For men, these areas are the thigh, chest and abdomen.

2

Leave one hand on the skin fold and use the other hand to pick up the calipers.

3

Clamp the calipers onto the skinfold. Hold for two to four seconds.

4

Read the calipers to see the measurement.

5

Record the measurement.

6

Repeat the process at each measurement site at least twice. This step helps ensure that you are getting an accurate reading. Average the results of each site.

7

Calculate body fat percentage by using a look-up table and your average measurements. Most calipers come with a look-up table, but they can also be found online (see Resources). In addition, you can go online to find a calculator that allows you to input your measurements and find your body fat percentage (see Resources).