Skinfold Calipers
Considered a field method, this technique measures subcutaneous fat at several sites on the body by pinching the skin with calipers. The assumption is that subcutaneous fat is proportional to the subject’s total body fat.
Average Test Time: Up to 20 minutes
Advantages:
- Portable and easily performed in the field.
- Inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- Not as accurate as the BOD POD, hydrostatic weighing, or DXA (error factor of ±8% fat), since only subcutaneous fat is being measured.
- Reliability is highly dependent upon the type of calipers used and the skill level of the technician.
- Not a valid method for measuring the extremely obese.
- Testing can take a long time, as many sites need to be pinched repeatedly to achieve the most accurate results.