What does the skinfold test estimate?

The skinfold test is designed to estimate percent body fat by measuring the thickness of skinfolds at specific sites on the body. This method is based on the principle that a person’s body fat can be estimated from the subcutaneous fat layer, which is the fat located just beneath the skin. The measurements are typically taken using calipers at various sites (commonly the abdomen, triceps, thigh, etc.) and then applied to equations that predict overall body fat percentage.

This technique is widely used in fitness and health assessments because it provides a relatively quick and accessible means of gauging body composition without the need for complex equipment or procedures. Understanding body fat percentage is important in various contexts, such as assessing health risks, monitoring changes in body composition during training, and creating individualized fitness programs.

Estimating overall strength, cardiovascular endurance, or muscle mass requires different evaluation methods, such as strength tests for muscle power or endurance tests for cardiovascular capacity, which rely on different indicators and metrics.