Body fat Scales (question?)

3foldchord
3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My bathroom scale only measures weight. I have taken measurements for ip online body fat calculator sites, but the calipers are more accurate, according to what I have read. (And according to logic. Logically it seems it would be a more precise measurement)

How accurate are those bathroom scales that measure body fat?

Second Question-
Does clothing matter for determining body fat on those scales?
Using my bathroom scale, solely for weight, I weigh in the morning in my skivvies. I wanted to try by dad's 'bathroom scale' that also does body fat, but obviously 'in my skivvies' is not a good option at my dad,s house. Do workout clothes yield the same body fat scale results as just skivvies. I would guess so, but just wanted to check.

Replies

  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Not terribly accurate. Mine varies by about 4% -- using the measurement method I'm at 25-26%. My scale says anything from 25%-29%

    I don't know about clothing but I do know that hydration makes a difference. If I use it before breakfast I get one reading (probably a more accurate one), and then if I use it again after breakfast it'll be at least a couple percentage points difference.
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    Where do calipers fit into the accuracy line-up ? Are they the best method? (My dad has calipers, too, that I could borrow)
  • TheChangingMan
    TheChangingMan Posts: 73 Member
    Calipers are very accurate *IF USED PROPERLY*.

    However, they are quite tricky to get right if you are taking your own skinfold measurements
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    Calipers are very accurate *IF USED PROPERLY*.

    However, they are quite tricky to get right if you are taking your own skinfold measurements
    Thanks

    I would Imagine they are difficult to use on oneself. I would have my husband take the caliper measurements.
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    Calipers are the most accurate for the money you spend on them, about $5. The scales are horrendously inaccurate.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    I trust the measurement method more than the body fat scale. Can't remember which site I used for the measurements but it's the one heybales put in his spreadsheet. I liked it because it used a lot of measurements. Calipers are best if you have someone who knows how to use them.
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    I tried 3 different online ones. With an average of 24%.
    None of then asked for my height. I would think that might matter to weight vs width inches for results. But I guess not.

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