How do you guys measure bodyfat?

[Prithwishr96]

I've measured my bf% with both caliper and by putting stats and there's quite a difference between the both, so which one should i consider or do i need to buy the digital one?

[okayest]

Self measuring with calipers is not accurate. Calculating body fat based on measurements is not accurate. Digital impedance devices are not accurate. You can post a full body photo in the Guess My Bodyfat sticky and get something accurate.

[d2mini]

I use this pair of calipers and the result is exactly what was given to me in the "Guess My Bodyfat" sticky thread.
If you pay attention and use them correctly each time, results will be consistent enough to gauge progress.
I haven't heard of ANY method that is considered truly accurate by everyone.
So this cheap pair of calipers is good enough.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073XWPPVF

In the end it doesn't really matter what the actual number is, it just matters how you feel about how you look.

[Tommy W.]

Most ways are very inaccurate. The best way is to jump up and down in front of a mirror naked. If things jiggle you need to diet down further. Don't get caught up in BF% numbers they're not that important. A good way to gauge fatloss\gain is measuring yourself around the waist at the navel. 1" either way signifies around 5-7 lbs

[bcradio]

Mirror is my tool of choice

[MatzenFitness]

The best way that I have found for me to measure my body fat percentage is using a scale or handheld device. They are quick and easy but what you gain in convience you lose in accuracy. This uses a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis, that measures your body's resistance to a light electrical current

[chasedaviis]

Why do you care what you bf is ?

If your happy when you look in the mirror that's all that should matter imo

[michaelbrianinc]

Self measuring with calipers is not accurate. Calculating body fat based on measurements is not accurate. Digital impedance devices are not accurate. You can post a full body photo in the Guess My Bodyfat sticky and get something accurate.

I agree with what you mention in the beginning, but you’re kidding me right on that last sentence?

How in the world would forum posters looking at photos be the most accurate option in telling BF%? This is a joke right?

I guess some posters have the magic eye...? Must be a gift.

[okayest]

I agree with what you mention in the beginning, but you’re kidding me right on that last sentence?

How in the world would forum posters looking at photos be the most accurate option in telling BF%? This is a joke right?

I guess some posters have the magic eye...? Must be a gift.

Nope. In order or accuracy

eyeballing by people who have some grasp on what body fat look like > BIA scale and an inexperienced person trying to take their own skinfolds

I've had hydrostatic and DEXA done at totally different body compositions and guessed the results within 2 pounds each time. If you know how much a pound of fat looks like and you have the ability to accurately estimate, you can get really close by looks. Much closer than the error of margin on what the poster has done or is asking about.

[michaelbrianinc]

Nope. In order or accuracy

eyeballing by people who have some grasp on what body fat look like > BIA scale and an inexperienced person trying to take their own skinfolds

I've had hydrostatic and DEXA done at totally different body compositions and guessed the results within 2 pounds each time. If you know how much a pound of fat looks like and you have the ability to accurately estimate, you can get really close by looks. Much closer than the error of margin on what the poster has done or is asking about.

Makes some sense I guess. But keyword is someone who is experienced and would know those things.

I personally don’t trust any form of technology that measures BF not math equations using measurements. My scale says I’m 16.7% BF and I know looking in the mirror it’s wrong.

The only visual reference I’ve seen that looks accurate to me is done by AthleanX. The photos and BF ranges look legit so I tend to compare that to myself in what I see in the mirror.

I’m sure visually some people can get pretty close to accurate but it’s a little hard to believe it’s the “most” accurate.

I appreciate your constructive feedback. Thank you.

[yoojungl]

Like everyone mentioned, calipers are inaccurate. You can get a rough idea of where you're at by comparing progress pictures. Whatever you use to measure your bf, use the same one consistently and keep in mind that it's not 100%