An introduction on the topic of body fat estimation and how to measure body fat percentage using calipers.

1. How to Measure
Body Fat Using
Calipers
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2. Firstly, let’s take a quick look at calipers
● Calipers are a tool used to take body fat
measurements
● These measurements can be turned into a body
fat percentage (BF%) using a formula
○ Your BF% is the proportion of your body
weight that is made up of fat (rather than
Lean Body mass or LBM)
● Calipers are popular because they’re cheap to buy
and when used consistently, are a relatively
accurate way to measure body fat

3. The fundamental rule of caliper measurements is...
Consistency is key!
These rules will help you take accurate readings;
● Take measurements on the right side of the body
● At the same time of day
● Under the same conditions each time
To accept measurements;
● Take two readings and if they're not within 1-2mm of each other then retake
● Record the measurements when 2 consecutive values are within 1-2 mm and take the average

4. Choose a body fat formula
Remember, calipers don’t actually estimate body fat
percentage. They measure the size of skin folds.
These measurements can then be plugged in a formula to
estimate your BF%.
There are many formulas available but two of the most
popular are the Jackson-Pollock, and Parillo formula.
Do your research and see which formula is right for you. The
formulas are usually based on a statistical-model using
national averages. Estimates will not be accurate for all
people, such as athletes or those with high muscle mass.

5. The Parillo Body Fat Formula
To illustrate the process we’ve outlined the steps of the Parillo method below;
Step Instructions
1 Take fat measurements in millimeters using the calipers at the following sites;
Chest, Abdominal, Thigh, Bicep, Triceps, Subscapular, Subprailiac, Lower Back, Calf
2 Perform calculation:
Body Fat % = (Sum of 9 measurements in Step 1 x 27) / bodyweight in Lbs

6. For more information…
Visit our article on how to measure body fat using
calipers -
https://www.fitstream.com/articles/how-to-measure-body-
fat-using-calipers-a38

7. Title
● Bullets
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Track your body fat % with