Length measures are made at standard anatomical sites around the body, measured with a tape measure, ruler or caliper. See also the body size tests of breadth.

  • equipment required: steel ruler or flexible metal tape measure (or caliper) and pen for marking the skin. If a plastic or cloth tape is used, it should be checked regularly against a metal tape as they may stretch over time.
  • procedure: First mark the sites to be measured. For descriptions of the procedure for measuring specific lengths, see the list below.
  • sites: Below are some common sites used for length measurements. Click on the link for a detailed description of the procedure. Sites marked with * are part of the ISAK full anthropometry profile.measurement ruler
    • Standing Height *
    • Sitting Height *
    • Knee Height
    • Arm Length
    • Arm Span
    • Hand Span
    • Recumbent Length
    • Foot Length *
    • Acromiale-Radiale (upper arm length) *
    • Radiale-stylion (forearm length) *
    • Midstylion-dactylion (hand length) *
    • Iliospinale (height from floor to hip) *
    • Trochanterion (height from floor to top of femur) *
    • Trochanterion-tibiale laterale (thigh length) *
    • Tibiale laterale to floor (lower leg length, knee height) *
    • Tibiale mediale-sphyrion tibiale (tibia length)*
  • reliability: Things that may affect reliability are changes to the testers, constant and even tension on the tape, and correct landmarking (finding the correct anatomical sites for measurement).
  • advantages: low costs involved in the testing procedure, and for many sites the measurement can be self administered.