Anthropometric Tape Measure

January 29, 2021 Joe Richards

What is an Anthropometric Tape Measure?

An anthropometric tape measure or body tape measure is intended for the measurement of parts of the body. It typically has some or all of the following characteristics:

Blank space before the zero (6-8cm ideally)
Thin, flexible steel blade (about 6mm ideally)
About 2m in length

Some less expensive models will have a fiberglasss blade rather than steel. Oftentimes people will use a tape measure that is intended for measuring the circumference or diameter of pipes or trees, which typically have the same specifications. ISAK (International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry) recommends the Lufkin W606PM diameter tape for body measurement.

Can you use any measuring tape for body?

The sewing tape measures are the most common used at home, but these are not always indicated to measure the body because they may not be standardized and give incorrect measurements.

What are diameter, pipe, logging, forestry, and tree tape measures?

Most anthropometric tape measures were first intended for pipe and tree circumference measurement. "Diameter" indicates that the tape will have secondary set of numbers, usually on the reverse side of the tape, that shows the diameter calculation that corresponds to length measurement. This number is irrelevant for body measurement.

Metallic
Lufkin W606PM Anthropometric / Diameter Tape Measure This is one of the most well-known models and is recommended by ISAK for anthropometry. Polished chrome shell. Range 2m Flexible steel Blade 6 mm width 8 cm blank space before zero	See Lufkin tape measure
AnthroFlex NA305 Anthropometric Tape Measure This anthropometric tape measure has the same specifications as the Lufkin W606PM but with a different case and lower price. Shell material is hard ABS plastic. Numbers recorded on tape (not printed)	See Anthroflex tape measure
Cescorf Anthropometric Tape Measure This anthropometric tape measure has the same specifications as the Lufkin W606PM Increments printed on both sides of top side of blade. Shell material is hard ABS plastic.	See Cescorf Tape Measure
Avanutri Metal Tape Ava-04 Range 2m Flexible steel Blade 10 cm blank space before zero 7 mm width
Rosscraft Anthropometric Tape Measure Shell material is hard durable plastic. Range 2m Flexible steel Blade 10 cm blank space before zero
Plastic
Seca 201 Anthropometric Tape Measure Shell material is hard ABS plastic. Range 205cm 1 cm blank space before zero
Gulick Anthropometric Tape Measure Shell material is hard ABS plastic. With spring gauge attachment Range 152cm