What Is Caliperometry?
Caliperometry (skinfold measurement) is a method in which subcutaneous fat thickness at specific body sites is measured with a special device (caliper). The measurements are used to calculate body density and fat percentage according to validated formulas.
This is one of the most popular methods due to its low cost, simplicity, and reasonably good accuracy. The main error (3-5%) depends on the tester's experience. The method relies on the assumption that subcutaneous fat correlates with total body fat.
Tip: For results to be reliable, measurements must be performed by the same specialist using the same caliper at each measurement.
📏 Measurement Sites and Protocols
The most popular caliperometry protocols:
| Protocol | Measurement Sites | Suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson-Pollock 3-Site | Chest, abdomen, thigh (men); triceps, hip (suprailiac), thigh (women) | For general use |
| Jackson-Pollock 7-Site | Chest, axilla, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdomen, thigh | For scientific accuracy |
| Durnin-Womersley 4-Site | Biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac | For adults |
| Parillo 9-Site | 9 measurement sites | For bodybuilders |
📊 Normative Body Fat Percentages
| Category | Men (%) | Women (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Fat | 2-5% | 10-13% | Minimum for health maintenance |
| Athletes | 6-13% | 14-20% | Range for most athletes |
| Fitness | 14-17% | 21-24% | Active, exercising |
| Intermediate | 18-24% | 25-31% | Moderately active people |
| Obesity | >25% | >32% | Increased health risk |