Difference between Calipers and Impedance BF% Measurements

alyssamiller77

I'm looking for people's experiences with the differences between measuring BF% with calipers versus bioelectrical impedance instruments. I ask because for months I've been using calipers to do 3 and 7 site tests. Currently by that method I'm right around 9% BF. However recently my wife got a FitBit Aria scale which has does a BF measurement as well via impedance. The scal puts me at 13.8%. Now I would expect there to be some difference as it seems generally accepted that calipers are a more accurate measure. I was surprised though to see such a significant difference and am concerned that I may not be measuring correctly. So I'm curious if anyone else has had the opportunity to compare results of these two types of tests and if you noticed an equally large discrepancy.

Finally, yes I realize BF% is a somewhat arbitrary number and is more meaningful in relative terms (i.e. tracking changes), but I'd like to know which number is closer to accurate.

Sarauk2sf

I did a thread on the accuracy, or rather inaccuracies of the different methods here:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods

Myself and SideSteel are doing visual body fat estimates as well - the 'instructions' are here:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/826435-bodyfat-estimation-thread

alyssamiller77

Thanks for the links, I hadn't found the accuracy thread in my search so much appreciated. I have been debating whether to post pics on the visual estimates thread, after reading your other thread I think I just might have to post a few and get your opinions. Thx!!