Is 3 point caliper bf self-testing accurate

[Lao Tzu]

i just retried this test and it said i was 16.7%, even though i weigh 263. i've been dieting and i was about 20% a few months ago when i did the 3 point method, but i don't look 16.7%. What does 16.7% look like? Are self tests inaccurate? usually when i self test i do about 5-7 tests over a few days to make sure i'm getting an average but it still doesn't sound right.

 

[Mini Viper]

I've had this done as well, I would say its average accurate. Calipers are definitely more accurate than those electro thingies you hold (the one where a current is passed through you) and IMO the most accurate for measuring bf% is using the water displacement method, but not alot of places have these facilities.

peace

 

[onerepmaximum]

The key thing is consistency. The test is fairly accurate, the most accurate being the hydrostatic method. If the caliper test is administered the consitently the same way, the number is not as important as the change from the last measurement. Do the same test the same way and measure your progress (or lack of) that way.

 

[THeMaCHinE]

My understanding is that the 3-point test pretty much sucks ass. You need a minimum of 7-points for a good reading.

 

[Train Harder]

When I get caliper tested the guy uses 9 sites to get the total.

 

[javaguru]

The actual BF % of most tests is not accurate due to the equations not being applicable to athletes. However, they are good for a point of reference and a seven point would be more accurate than a three point but your ability to perform the test consistently would be most important.

 

[THeMaCHinE]

What JavaGuru said with a 7-point test as the minimum.

 

[JKerry]

That test can't be accurate, it just gave me 5.6%. i'm guessing i'm closer to 10. Just use numbers as reference, and the mirror as your ultimate guide.

 

[ChefWide]

I use an omron HBF-301. It works great. it is consistantly a bit low (1.5 points) but its consistant. The key to it is to take the reading at the same time of day, empty stomach, same (or no) clothes etc. I do it every monday morning as soon as i an done with the morning piss. Same bat time, same bat channel.

I have checked the readings against the big expensive fucker at the gym and its been pretty close.

Do I get a real reading? who cares? It gives a consistant one that i can use to guage progress, which is most important to me anyway.

 

[Bonkme2]

I agree with Chef.
I use my everyday and record the numbers in my gym log.
Then on Sat or Sun I average the prior weeks numbers and use that as a guide if I'm gaining or losing.

I think it works great.