Best Fat Calipers Reviewed and Rated
Daniel Core
Brian Price
There shouldn’t be any excuses about weight loss. In this era, there are numerous amounts of tools that will help anyone lose their dreaded weight. From weight loss tablets, diet pills, meal replacement shakes, and—especially now—fat calipers, everyone should be well-equipped in their defenses against weight gain. What’s more important than the tools is how we use them. Many health trainers believe that using measuring equipment such as body fat calipers and fat scales in conjunction with supplements such as protein shakes and dieting pills is crucial for those looking to see maximum amounts of progress. Knowing how to track your results will help you stay on track to a healthier lifestyle.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 16 hrs of research
Easy-to-Read Screen
High Precision and Accuracy
Three Measurements
Polished Stainless Steel
Storage and Battery Included
Top 10 Picks
1. Neiko 01408A
Easy-to-Read Screen
High Precision and Accuracy
Three Measurements
Polished Stainless Steel
Storage and Battery Included
Does Not Calibrate Percentage
Welcome to Neiko, one of the leading producers of quality calipers made of finely polished stainless steel and long-lasting durability. With this electronic caliper, you’re able to measure the outside diameter, inside diameter, depth, and even step. If you’re looking for one of the most accurate calipers for measuring fat, this nifty tool by Neiko measures all the way to the nearest millimeter. Along with this, the large LCD screen provides easy-to-read visibility and as a bonus, the caliper comes with extra batteries and a custom storage case.
Read moreHigh Precision
With this accurate fat caliper by Neiko, you won’t be a fraction off with your skinfold thickness. There are also three modes that can be easily switched with a change of the button—inches, fractions, and millimeters.
Easy-to-read LCD
The extra large screen allows for easier visibility and convenience as you’ll have your measurement in a few seconds, with the touch of a button. The stainless steel finish also encourages smooth sliding and precise positioning.
Cost and Value
Because of the high quality and long-lasting durability of the Neiko 01408A, the price will definitely be slightly higher than other similar products. It is, however, a product that’s completely worth the price as you get a potentially lifelong product for a reasonable price.
2. EAGems Digital
Plastic Case
Smooth Stainless Steel
Customer Service
Position Lock
Auto Shut-off
Very Bulky and Heavy
A safe-to-use, quick and easy caliper is what EAGems thrives in providing. Their Digital caliper is a completely water-resistant product that is equipped with an easy-to-read LCD screen and position lock for reliable measurements. This company has been successful in their favored calipers for over 10 years, so you know they’re dependable and prioritize integrity! You won’t be let down with the EAGems Digital Caliper.
Read moreStainless Hardened Steel
With quality comes stainless steel, the best material for reliable durability and a scratch-less finish. Along with the excellence in the material used in the EAGems caliper, it also comes with fully-charged batteries for an accurate reading right away. Also, the IP54 rating prevents dust or rust, so you can purchase with confidence!
Active Customer Service
To prove that they’re always with you, EAGems has a customer service line that’s always active to help you care and use your digital caliper with ease. They want to ensure that you get the most out of your purchase and are satisfied, which is why they stand by their product with a customer service line.
Cost and Value
The cost of the EAGems Digital caliper is going to be pricier than other brands, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic purchase. The company’s integrity and confidence in their product is reason enough to trust in this reliable caliper. For a slightly higher price, you get a caliper and a company that’s faithful and devoted to their product.
3. Tacklife DC01
High Precision
Three Modes
Energy Saving
Durable and Versatile
Large LCD Screen
Battery Issues
Tacklife is a professional team that’s behind DC01, one of their affordable yet highly accurate calipers. Their commitment is to “improve your quality of life” one step at a time, which is why they innovated their easy-to-use, energy saving caliper that has a large enough LCD screen and is high in precision and reliability. Along with three measurement modes, and a waterproof function, the Tacklife DC01 is your tool to make losing weight and a healthier lifestyle easier.
Read moreVersatile and Durable
The valid ABS material used to make the DC01 is highly durable and can withstand both water and dust. Unlike cheaper calipers, the DC01 can withstand multiple drops without breaking and is extremely easy to carry and hold because of its minimal size.
Large Resolution Screen
Although the caliper itself is small and convenient to carry, the screen is extra large so anyone can easily see their values—without any mistakes. The three easy-to-use buttons can also easily be used for changing between the various measurement modes. In addition, the screen on the DC01 is energy saving, meaning it turns off automatically after 5 minutes of non-operation.
Cost and Value
The Tacklife DC01 is one of our best value items, simply because of how incredibly precise the measurements are for the affordable price range. The small details like the super clear display and energy-saving screen are also reasons to invest in this affordable caliper.
4. Creative Health Slim Guide
Very Durable
ABS-material
Stainless Steel Parts
Included Book
Accurate Caliper
Plastic Base
This ABS caliper specifically designed to measure skinfold for the percentage of body fat works great as one of the most accurate and affordable calipers on the market. The small device has been produced since the 1970s and is one of the most widely used products in the market. With the Creative Health Slim Guide, you’ll get an almost indestructible stainless steel caliper for life.
Read moreLifetime Warranty
Not only is the caliper affordable, Creative Health is so confident in their product that they guarantee a lifetime warranty for every buyer. They believe that their stainless steel and ABS-made calipers are lifelong companions on your journey in weight loss.
Included Book
Along with this incredibly affordable fat caliper, you also get the “How to Measure Body Fat %” book which a phenomenal read to familiarize yourself with the process of calculating body fat percentage. Although most people have methods of obtaining their percentage, it’s always good to be knowledgeable about the formula in finding your healthy range.
Cost and Value
The price for the Creative Health Slim Guide is completely affordable and, along with the included book and lifetime warranty, this caliper seems like a once-in-a-lifetime deal! You’ll never be disappointed in anything in terms of quality or value from Creative Health.
5. Sequoia Fitness TrimCal 4000
Sleek Design
Ergonomic Shape
Consistent Measurement
Lightweight to Carry
Poor Instructions
The TrimCal 4000 by Sequoia Fitness is another fantastic choice in the market of fat calipers. This ABS-made tool will help you accurately find the desirable range of fat percentage for your age and gender. This caliper is perfect for performing daily skinfold tests wherever you are, as it can easily be carried around thanks to its convenient shape.
Read moreAccurate Measurement
With newer innovative ways to measure progress, Sequoia Fitness still remains loyal to the accuracy and precision of their TrimCal 4000 hand-held caliper. Whether you want to rid yourself of fat, or want an accurate way of monitoring your skin-fold thickness, the TrimCal 4000 is a caliper that will always get it right.
Ergonomic Design
The compatible design featured in the TrimCal 4000 makes it so that anyone can carry it and use it anywhere, despite its larger size. Sequoia Fitness want you to carry the caliper and not the fat—so they’ve made an easily-accessible tool that’s ergonomically designed to be convenient to use.
Cost and Value
For this manual fat caliper, the price isn’t as bad as some other models. For the forgiving price tag, you get a reliable caliper that has been proven to give consistent values. The sleek black color also makes for a stylish design.
6. Clockwise Tools DCLR-0605
Large LCD
Highly Precise
Fully Calibrated
Stainless Steel
No Transfer Cable
This revolutionary caliper from Clockwise Tools is another fantastic option. The digital device measures using new depthometer’s groove to give a better looking and more accurate result. Along with ip54 protection, what you’re getting from Clockwise Tools is a premium caliper made of stainless steel, fully calibrated and ready for function.
Read moreRS232 Data Output
The digital caliper features a data transfer function so you can access your data from more than just one caliper device. This way, your progress, and info will never be lost. A separate data transfer cable needs to be bought, but once connected it’s easy to transfer your data onto your computer for storing.
Fine Polished Steel
The polished stainless steel helps this digital caliper be better looking, smoother, and more precise. Clockwise Tools’ attention to detail really shows as their handy craftsmanship is shown on display in the groove of this digital caliper.
Cost and Value
For a high-quality caliper such as the DCLR-0605, the price will always be a bit higher than usual. Clockwise Tools provides a caliper that’s more accurate than most and is ip54 protected—meaning it’ll last even after some bruises. The featured stainless steel allows you to measure precisely and smoothly without any jamming. If you want quality over price, this is definitely the premium caliper for you.
7. TENGYES Digital Caliper
Highly Durable
Knurled Thumb Roller
IP54 Protection
Water and Corrosion Resistant
Hardened Fine Steel
Difficult Length Change
Does Not Calibrate Fractions
TENGYES is a company that prides themselves in making an accurate precision tool that features functional additions such as gliding and a thumb roller. Their digital caliper are one of the most innovated and well-made on the market, and the company does well to value their customers who have brought them this far. They’ve backed their products with a 5-year assurance, so you know that TENGYES and their digital caliper won’t disappoint.
Read moreLong-lasting Durability
Made out of strong hardened steel, the digital caliper by Tengyes is almost indestructible. The material does well to resist corrosion and heat while sliding smoothly for perfectly accurate measurement. It also comes with a snap-lock storage cage for when not in use.
Knurled Thumb Roller
Not every digital caliper has this, yet TENGYES has incorporated a thumb roller that ensures smooth sliding and fine adjustment to get highly accurate readings. You can use your thumb to adjust the caliper’s axle and help find the most precise reading.
Cost and Value
The TENGYES Digital Caliper ranks as high priced, even for electronic calipers. You do get, however, features not found in other products, such as the Knurled Thumb Roller and IP54 water resistance. The price is definitely worth it, as there’s more than just accurate measuring with the TENGYES Digital Caliper.
8. FstDgte Digital
Compact and Portable
Quick Measurement
Eco-Friendly
Hold Function
Large LCD
Not Durable Material
This digital fat caliper by FstDgte is designed to be accurate in measurement and be compact and portable—so you can carry it around anywhere and track your progress. As a portable healthcare tool, FstDgte’s calipers are some of the most reliable yet affordable devices that are still as high functioning as more expensive brands.
Read moreEco-Friendly
FstDgte cares about the environment, which is why they’ve made their caliper eco-friendly and durable for long-time use. Their power-saving function is also greatly important in saving battery, which is a problem that plagues many other products we see. Having a reliable battery in a functional eco-friendly caliper is always beneficial.
Measures Quickly
Thanks to the operating functions presented, all measurements can be made within seconds, and are often highly accurate given the affordability of this caliper. The holding function also helps measure in both mm and inches, while also converting between the two. Each statistic is at your disposal with this digital caliper.
Cost and Value
This caliper, although not popular, is one of the most affordable and reliable calipers on our list. Not only is it precise, it’s also eco-friendly and has included features such as battery-saving and hold function. The quality of material also makes this seem like a premium caliper, even though it has a light price.
9. Gyros DIGI-SCIENCE
High-Res LCD
Versatile and Durable
ABS Measurement
Precise and Accurate
Bonus Warranty
Manuel Calibration
This professionally-used caliper from Gyros is another grand option for high-resolution measurement and expert calibration. This caliper is shown to be high performing and versatile and even comes with a bonus warranty for the battery. With an ABS switch addition, this new caliper by Gyros is one that’s always a good choice—although more expensive.
Read moreHardened Stainless Steel
No longer are the days when you need to worry about rust or corrosion on your steel-composed products such as digital calipers. We know you won’t be using this daily, so it may be sitting collecting dust for most of its lifespan. That’s why having a good material such as hardened stainless steel is so important in maintaining a caliper—it makes your job that much easier.
Large High-Res Display
One of the best-looking high-resolution LCD displays we’ve seen on a caliper. Even after years of use, there haven’t been any problems with the battery or display according to customers. With accurate measurement comes pitch-perfect display in the Gyros DIGI-SCIENCE.
Cost and Value
The cost is a bit excessive, but it definitely isn’t overpriced by any means. You get what you pay for in this brand, as the company works hard to maintain their level of professionalism and quality in calipers that’ll help you achieve practically anything.
10. iGaging
Easy-to-Use
Portable and Convenient
Large Display
Battery Included
Less Durable
The iGaging caliper is another well-made handheld body caliper that is specifically designed to measure skinfold and determine body fat percentages. The portable fat tester has a large enough LCD display and is meant to be easy-to-use and made of ABS-plastic. Quality is something you’re getting for sure, but affordability is a nice bonus.
Read moreEasy-to-Use
iGaging wants to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your fat percentage caliper. There are many easy things in health fitness but measuring fat percentage surely isn’t one of them. They’ve made their Electronic Caliper to be convenient for anyone to use without hassle.
Battery Included
Believe us, it’s always a pain when buying a product means you have to also buy separate batteries, making a seemingly cheap product that much more expensive. The Yunhigh Electronic, however, comes with assured batteries so you can use it right out of the box.
Cost and Value
You’ll be getting every penny out of this affordable fat caliper. With the low price, the quality of material and the easy-to-use function plus display, you won't have any excuses left as to why you aren't properly tracking your progress.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Accuracy
At the end of the day, the bottom line is whether the caliper is accurate or not. You should take with a grain of salt how accurate all calipers claim they are, as they could all be wrong—but wrong at the same time. You see, a caliper’s accuracy heavily depends on how accurately the skinfold sites are measured. Meaning, no matter how accurate your caliper, if you measure the skinfold site incorrectly—which is common in self-tests—your results will be quite a bit away from the correct body fat percentages. For accuracy, you must take the time to locate each site and ensure that minimal errors occur.
This is why the formula used for body fat percentage is so intricate. Many so-called values of the Jackson & Pollock formula must be broken down to their bare values in order to be accurate. Age is such an important value and that’s why results take on an empirical estimation. Calipers, however, are made to be as accurate as possible, and you should find one that is easy to conveniently measure—meaning it won’t jam or show different values for the same measurements. Consistency is key with body fat percentage calculation.
Value
Many skinfold calipers offer a warranty that can be 1 year, 5 years, or even a lifetime deal. These companies are confident in the durability of their product, so much so that they’ve backed it with a warranty that will cover any damage that product sustains. On less expensive products, you shouldn’t be concerned about the warranty, but on high-end products, warranties might be a life-saving criteria aspect. They will give you the peace of mind to confidently make your purchase, without the worry of it breaking down after a few uses. Warranties also justify higher price ranges.
Features
There are generally two different types of calipers—the digital and the manual. Digital calipers have lately risen to popularity and are often an easier way of measuring skinfold as you can get your value with a press of a button. Some people have also used a tape measure, which can also help you find the width of your waist and arms—another important metric when tracking for progress.
A digital caliper will consist of these specific parts:
An internal and external jaw, which are used to measure the distance between them.
The main arm, which is used to hold the caliper and keep it steady during measurement.
A sliding arm, which is generally made of a non-adhesive material such as stainless steel.
A locking screw, which is used to precisely locate the distance of measurement.
An LCD display screen, which is now usually made in extra large in order to show clearer results.
A manual caliper mainly consists of two jaws and a measurement scale. In order to use, you must pinch the area of skinfold and read the corresponding measurement listed. Manuel calipers are cheaper and more reliable since they don’t require batteries, but can be less accurate at times because of outside factors such as user-error.
Use
Purpose – The purpose of a caliper is to measure your fat by pinching different parts of your skin and applying a used formula to determine your percentage in comparison with the healthy average. To determine and record your percentage, all you need is a fat caliper or tape measure, a pen, and some recording sheets.
Procedure – In order to perform a correct skinfold measurement, you need to measure different areas of your body and apply it into a formula. Although there are various numbers of formulas to use, the most popular one is notably the Jackson & Pollock formula to find body fat percentage. The formula, although can be found on many sites that will automatically calculate for you, is 1.10938 – (0.0008267 times the sum of the chest, thigh, and abdomen in mm) + (0.0000016 times the square of the sum of the chest, thigh, and abdomen) – (0.0002574 times age). With this, you’ll get your body density, a value that can be used in another formula to find body fat percentage.
Classification – A list of body fat percentage classifications can be listed as: athletic, fit, acceptable, overweight, or obese. These are from the American Council on Exercise, although each gender has specific gender percentage ranges. An example of the difference: for women, 10-13% of body fat is considered healthy, while for men that same range is at 2-5%. Obese are men and women whose body fat percentages range over 25-32%.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Accuracy Value Features Use 
Generally, fat calipers are very accurate in determining the thickness of skinfold. However, the lack of accuracy many times comes from the calculation of formulas from the user. Given more practice and experience with measuring and calculating, the accuracy is bound to increase for anyone.
Although skinfold fat calipers are a safe, affordable way to effectively measure your body fat percentage accurately, there are other methods available in case you don’t prefer pinching yourself with a caliper throughout the day.
Other Factors to Consider
Bottom Line
Fat calipers are one of the best devices that can be used to measure your progress. Calipers are an apparatus used to measure skin thickness in order to find a fat percentage value. They are generally far more reliable and accurate in finding fat percentage than other tools, such as smart scales. They also provide a desirable range for anyone’s gender and age—helping you get closer to the ideal percentage. Calipers are a phenomenal alternative to the expensive tools of hydrostatic weighing and can be used anytime and anywhere. In a world of home gyms and meal replacement shakes, convenience is a big issue and fat calipers are the perfect tool that you can fit into your busy workday. Below, you’ll find our top choices for the best fat calipers of 2019!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How do fat calipers work?
Fat calipers work by measuring different parts of your body and using given formulas to sum the values to a density and percentage value.
q: What formulas measure body fat percentage?
Although there are various formulas you can use, Jackson & Pollock is a well-known formula that involves measuring 3 to 7 body parts. Some calipers will also come with suggested formulas or a pamphlet that’ll help you find your body fat percentage.
q: What’s the range of a healthy body fat percentage?
The values are different for each type of gender. For men, 10-25% is always considered healthy, while anything over that may be overweight or obese. For women, that range becomes from 15-30%, and anything over being overweight or obese.
