1.   Skin-fold Caliper fat measurement

A common method of body fat measurement used by many fitness leaders/instructors. They don't take long to learn how to use and can be easily carried around. They are the least accurate of the three methods, measurements can have an error of plus or minus 1%. The more practice in using skin-fold calipers the more accurate the measurements will be.

The measurements are taken at 6 different areas on the body. All measurements are then averaged and put into a formula to determine the overall body fat percent. The measurements are:

1. Near the Belly Button (Abdomen)
2. Side of the Chest  (except in women)
3. Along the Shoulder Blade (Scapula)
4. Top of the Hip Bone (Ileum)
5. Back of the Arm (Triceps)
6. Front of the Leg (Thigh)

2.   Bio-Electrical Impedance

Bioelectrical impedance is the quickest method for measuring body fat percentage. It is non invasive and is better suited for people with higher percentages of body fat or those who would feel uncomfortable with having Skin-fold measurements taken. Electrodes are attached to different areas of the body and a current is then sent to estimate total body water. As muscle contains a greater percentage of water then the more water your body contains, the lower your body fat measurement will be. Click the picture for details!

3.   Hydrostatic Weighing
 

The Hydrostatic Weighing method is the most accurate measurement of all three, it is also the most uncomfortable and most expensive. Some universities offer this method to the general public for around 40 dollars a time.

Fat is less dense than water and thus floats. This principle forms the basis of the method. When a body is submerged in water special equipment can determine how much of it is lean and how much is fat.

There are a few other methods for measuring body fat but these are too complex and very expensive.