I've been struggling with this for a while now, and I have resigned to the fact that although my measurements are not accurate, they are consistent. As long as they are consistent, I can track progress well enough.

I use a fat track digital three point caliper. I have taken as many variables out as possible. Over the last 6-8 months, I have shown steady and expected trends that I feel pretty confident in. I also have a +/- 5% tanita scale and take monthly measurements with a myotape.

My problem is accuracy. The calipers will show 10.4%, the scale will show 18%, and the myotape used with measurement calculator will show 7%. I guess I could average them daily, but it just ends up a little above the the caliper measurement.

Does anyone else experience this kind of spread?

My trainer measures me with digital calipers and a 5-point measurement and comes up with about 12.8% while my Tanita scale reports about 17.5%. Bioelectric impedance has a very high margin of error and a lot of factors (water retention, etc.) can give wild fluctuations. On the other hand, if you're not highly cut then you can rule out the 7%. I pretty much rely on good calipers and a good measurer.

Yes, many methods vary. It is tough to get an absolute. Suffice it to say that you probably won't see your abs until you are 10% body fat or less, so that is a decent way to see - if any measurement has you < 10% but you can't see your abs, I wouldn't believe it.

I am going to post a section to my site with my own physique at various body fat percentages to help people eyeball it. Thanks for the idea!

Jeremy

My trainer measures me with digital calipers and a 5-point measurement and comes up with about 12.8% while my Tanita scale reports about 17.5%. Bioelectric impedance has a very high margin of error and a lot of factors (water retention, etc.) can give wild fluctuations. On the other hand, if you're not highly cut then you can rule out the 7%. I pretty much rely on good calipers and a good measurer.


:o well I KNOW that I'm not at 7%. Most likely around 10-11%. I still have a little ways to go to be officially ripped. I was just wondering if anyone else had wild differences between the figures.

Yes, many methods vary. It is tough to get an absolute. Suffice it to say that you probably won't see your abs until you are 10% body fat or less, so that is a decent way to see - if any measurement has you < 10% but you can't see your abs, I wouldn't believe it.

I am going to post a section to my site with my own physique at various body fat percentages to help people eyeball it. Thanks for the idea!

Jeremy

When you say that the abs should be visible around 10% BF or less, does that mean flexed or relaxed? I can see my abs pretty well when flexed, but not quite so when I'm relaxed.