I finallly have my own calipers and am trying to perfect my technique. I also have a friend who has some experience who has been taking my measurements. When I first did the test I came up with about 25% bf, then using the same method a few weeks later about 23.5% My friend took it last night and came up with 20.5% - I know it is not completely accurate and that there is large room for error, so I am assuming one or more of these numbers are not accurate. To compound matters, the "female" setting on my Tanita scale has a number much, much higher (the evil thing also tells me I am .5 lbs heavier as a woman than as a man :lol: ). The "male" reading on my scale seems much closer to to these numbers :confused:

So I have a few questions

1- For hydrostatic bf readings I know hydration is a huge factor. How likely is excess water retention to affect caliper readings?

2- What time of day is ideal to take the caliper measurements (morning or before bed?) I realize consistency is important, but is there a preferred time?

3 - Based on instructions I have read one should grab the fat/skin and separate it from the muscle, then take the reading about halfway through the fold. Should one grip the fat in a particular way, and does how you hold it (e.g. pressing it to separate it from the muscle) have any negative effect on accuracy. Are ther any photos of real people, rather than line drawings, grabbing their fat and measuring it?

4 - I am doing a 7-site reading that asks for age and gender. Since I don't store as much fat on my hips and thighs as the "typical" woman is this affecting my reading?

Thanks for any insights! :)

For what it's worth, I take my measurements right away in the morning after nature calls. I weigh myself and then take fat measurements. I like it in the morning because the chances of me retaining a lot of excess water are reduced because sleeping for 8 hours starts to dehydrate you. Plus, if in the morning, it's consistent every time.

Here's some links to check out:
http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/bodyfatcalipers.html
http://www.bodytrends.com/buycalip.htm

Just learn to grab the folds in each spot the same way. You probably won't ever get a consistent, accurate reading. You will however be able to track changes if you are doing it correctly, and the same way every time. It got much harder for me, hitting 10% or so, to get an accurate reading since I was so used to grabbing so much chub.

Are 7 site readings difficult to do alone? If so, try doing a 3 site. It might not be as accurate, but at least you don't need a friend around to help.


I finallly have my own calipers and am trying to perfect my technique. I also have a friend who has some experience who has been taking my measurements. When I first did the test I came up with about 25% bf, then using the same method a few weeks later about 23.5% My friend took it last night and came up with 20.5% - I know it is not completely accurate and that there is large room for error, so I am assuming one or more of these numbers are not accurate. To compound matters, the "female" setting on my Tanita scale has a number much, much higher (the evil thing also tells me I am .5 lbs heavier as a woman than as a man :lol: ). The "male" reading on my scale seems much closer to to these numbers :confused:

So I have a few questions

1- For hydrostatic bf readings I know hydration is a huge factor. How likely is excess water retention to affect caliper readings?

2- What time of day is ideal to take the caliper measurements (morning or before bed?) I realize consistency is important, but is there a preferred time?

3 - Based on instructions I have read one should grab the fat/skin and separate it from the muscle, then take the reading about halfway through the fold. Should one grip the fat in a particular way, and does how you hold it (e.g. pressing it to separate it from the muscle) have any negative effect on accuracy. Are ther any photos of real people, rather than line drawings, grabbing their fat and measuring it?

4 - I am doing a 7-site reading that asks for age and gender. Since I don't store as much fat on my hips and thighs as the "typical" woman is this affecting my reading?

Thanks for any insights! :)

Thanks, I agree that tracking progress is more important than knowing an exact number :) I am training my husband to help me with the 7 site and I am doing his as well, so hopefully we can learn to be consistent.

The second site Jaybird posted was very interesting as it talked about some of the formulas used to calculate. I know the population of women usd to calculate the Tanita bf is from a different planet than I am, so I suspect most of the standard calculations usd to convert skinfold measurements into % might be similarly off. It convinced me not to worry at all about the actual fat reading and just focus on consistent measurement with the calipers.

:jumping: