This method has been used since the early 1900’s. The calipers, which are either marked or have digital readouts, measure the thickness of several fatty areas on the body. The measurements are then totaled; this figure is then used to estimate total body fat percentage, which can be compared to others by age and gender. This method is less convenient and subject to more variability in measuring technique than BIA.
Reference charts are widely used for comparison purposes. As an example, an “excellent” rating is given to females aged 30-34 with a body fat percentage of 19.7-22.7; “good” is up to 22.7-26.4%, “fair” is 26.4-30.5%.
For men aged 30-34, “excellent” is 14.5-18%, “good” is 18-21.5%, “fair” is 21.5-25.2%.