Click here to watch the video on how to measure your bodyfat using a tape measure.
If you purchase one of our products more than likely we’ll be requesting that you email us your bodyfat percentage and a few other measurements.
Use the following links if you need to purchase any of the equipment necessary to take your body fat depending on the method you wish to use. You can use both methods (Disclaimer: Using these links supports our business, they are Amazon affiliate links):
- Weight Scale
- Calipers for measuring body fat
- Tape measure for measuring body fat
- Weight scale aka bathroom scale
Use the following website to input your data and get your bodyfat estimate:
http://www.linear-software.com/online.html
There are two different methods to take your bodyfat.
The navy tape measure and the caliper method.
On this article I’ll show you both ways and I’ll tell you which one I prefer personally. In all honesty I prefer the caliper method but the tape measure is also an effective way to monitor your progress. The calipers I recommend them if you’re under 20% body fat as you’ll have an easier time pinching the right way. If you’re over 20% you may have trouble pinching so the tape measure may be most useful.
Is the estimate you get accurate?
My answer is going to be no. However, it is close enough and the idea is that no matter which method you choose you want to improve month to month. The navy tape measure is simple but is susceptible to variability due to bloating, water retention, and significant human error. The caliper method is a little more accurate and consistent but a little more complex but simple nonetheless once you figure it out.
The first method is the caliper method.
If you don’t care about getting too detailed or want to keep it as simple as possible use the Jackson/Pollock 4 point method. If you want to be a little more detailed and a little more accurate (especially if you are wanting to compete in bodybuilding) use the Parrillo 9 point method. Check out this do it yourself bodyfat measurement with calipers video where I go through the Parillo Method in a slightly different way since the subscapular and lowerback are pretty difficult to get unless you get someone to help you.
What measurements should you aim for ideally for each skinfold site?
1-5mm – If you measure in this range at all or most pinch sites, you can consider yourself ultra lean. In the fitness world we call that shredded.
5-8mm – Consider yourself very lean. You will see great definition and maybe striations.
9-12mm – You are lean but not shredded. You’ll still see abs, but you may not see striations. This a great range to be at for athletic performance.
12-15mm – You are a normal looking person. You may start to see some definition in the abdominal region but more likely not. I wouldn’t consider you lean but you can easily get definition in about 4-8 weeks.
15-20mm – I’d say more then likely you are overweight and getting to an obese diagnosis. You have to be very careful as you may see health problems starting to arise.
Above 20mm – This is dangerous and you need to take action to reduce your body fat.
The second method is the navy tape measure.
For this method you need a weight scale aka bathroom scale, you need to know your height (as accurate as possible), and a tape measure. If you go to the website I aforementioned you can see instructions on how to take these measurements.
What to do next once you take your bodyfat measurements:
Once you input the necessary information you click calculate and you’re done. If required send us the information you input and the result. This will allow us to create your personalized report for the product your purchased.
If you want to purchase any of our products to maximize your results check them out here: