Skinfold Measurement Sites
Guide to measuring skinfold thickness for body composition assessment
Measuring skinfold thickness is an important method for assessing body fat percentage. Below are the main measurement points using calipers.
1 Chest Skinfold
Measurement is taken at the pectoral muscle area. The fold is grasped diagonally between the nipple and the armpit. Key point for men.
2 Abdominal Skinfold
The fold is measured vertically 2 cm to the right of the navel. Indicates visceral fat accumulation and metabolic risks.
3 Thigh Skinfold
Measurement is taken on the front of the thigh, midway between the hip and knee joints. Particularly important for women.
4 Triceps Skinfold
The fold is measured on the back of the arm, midway between the shoulder blade and elbow. One of the most commonly used points.
5 Subscapular Skinfold
Measurement is taken below the lower angle of the scapula. The fold is grasped diagonally. Important for upper body fat distribution.
6 Suprailiac Skinfold
The suprailiac skinfold is measured just above the iliac crest, along the natural angle of the skinfold.
7 Midaxillary Skinfold
The midaxillary skinfold is taken on the midaxillary line at the level of the xiphoid process. Measure vertically at nipple height.
8 Biceps Skinfold
The biceps skinfold is measured on the front of the upper arm, at the midpoint between shoulder and elbow. Arm relaxed.
9 Knee Skinfold Parrillo
Medial (inner) side of the knee, just above the medial epicondyle. Sit with knee bent at 90Β°. Grasp fold vertically on inner side.
Used in the Parrillo 9-site method only.
10 Calf Skinfold Parrillo
Medial (inner) side of the calf, at the point of maximum circumference. Stand relaxed. Grasp fold vertically on inner side at widest point.
Used in the Parrillo 9-site method only.