Hi all...I'm new here. Just have a few questions about measuring BF%.

In John's FAQ he explains that he combined the results from his scale, calipers and tape measure and then divided by 3 to get an estimate. I'm 5'10 and 162.5lbs (down from 175). By the calipers, which I'm not certain I'm using properly, I'm 10.77%. By the scale, I'm 15%. By the tape I'm 8.5%. Do everyone's measurements vary so widely? I understand the calipers are most accurate, but only if used properly.

Also does the result (11.4%) sound reasonable for my height/weight? I may be able to post pics when I get home from work.

My last question is about using the calipers. I have the plastic accu-measure ones. What I'm having a hard time with is determining how much to pinch.

For example, when I measure between the nipple and the armpit, if I put my fingers 1-2" apart I can't come up with much, maybe a few mm. If I put my fingers 3"+ apart, I could probably get 9-11mm. Which is correct? If it's the latter, how far down from the surface of the pinch do I measure?

Sorry for the long post....I'm full of questions. FWIW, I searched the old messages before posting.

Thanks in advance.

d.

Personally, i just grab as much fat as i can, give it a little shake to make sure there's no muscle being held, then measure. Don't obsess about what your exact body fat percentage is, just be consistant in how you take your measurements; if your measurments are getting smaller, you're losing fat. That's the important thing ;) .

Here's a good article on how to measure properly (scroll down a bit):

http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/magazine/ultimatebodyfattestingguide.htm

Hope this helps!

I grab as much as possible too. You'll notice that as you decrease body fat, it gets easier to grab all the fat and get a consistent measurement.

http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/magazine/ultimatebodyfattestingguide.htm

Hope this helps!

It did, great link Sean. Thanks.

It did, great link Sean. Thanks.
No problem. Welcome to JSF by the way :tu: