Skin fold measurements
Triceps

At the level of the mid-point between the acromiale (lateral
edge of the acromial process, e.g. bony tip of shoulder) and
the radiale (proximal and lateral border of the radius bone,
approxiately the elbow joint), on the mid-line of the
posterior (back) surface of the arm (over the triceps
muscle).

The arm should be relaxed with the palm of the hand facing
forwards.

A vertical pinch, parallel to the long axis of the arm, is made
at the landmark.
Biceps

At the level of the mid-point between the acromiale (lateral
edge of the acromial process, e.g. bony tip of shoulder) and
the radiale (proximal and lateral border of the radius bone,
approximately the elbow joint), on the mid-line of the anterior
(front) surface of the arm (over the biceps muscle).
Pinch

The arm should be relaxed with the palm of the hand
facing forwards.

A vertical pinch, parallel to the long axis of the arm, is
made at the landmark.
Subscapular
Landmark

The lower angle of the scapula (bottom point of shoulder
blade)

If there is difficulty finding this landmark, get the subject to
reach behind their back with their right arm, while feeling for
Pinch

The pinch is made following the natural fold of the skin,
approxiately on a line running laterally (away from the body)
and downwards (at about 45 degrees
Illiac crest
Landmark

Immediately above the iliac crest (top of hip bone), on
the most lateral aspect (side).
Pinch

The fold is directed anteriorly and downward in line with
the natural fold of the skin.
Supraspinale

The intersection of a line joining the spinale (front part of
iliac crest) and the anterior (front) part of the axilla (armpit),
and a horizontal line at the level of the iliac crest.
Pinch

The pinch is directed medially (towards the centerline) and
downward, following the natural fold of the skin (at an
approximate angle of 45 degrees).
Abdominal
Landmark

5 cm adjacent to the umbilicus (belly-button), to the right side.
Pinch

The vertical pinch is made

Do not place the calliper or fingers inside the
navel
FRONT THIGH
Landmark

The mid-point of the anterior (front) surface of the
thigh, midway between patella (knee cap) and
inguinal fold (crease at top of thigh).
Pinch

A vertical pinch
MEDIAL CALF
Landmark

A point on the medial (inside) surface of the calf, at the level of the largest circumference
Pinch

A vertical pinch parallel to the long axis of the leg
The subject should place their foot on a chair or box so
that the knee is at approximately 90 degrees.
Landmark pinch: chest
Between the axilla and nipple as high as possible on the
anterior axillary fold

A diagonal pinch
Landmark

At the point where a vertical line from the mid axilla
(middle of armpit) intersects with a horizontal line level
with the bottom edge of the xiphoid process (lowest
point of the breast bone).