Topend Sports Logo

Thigh Skinfolds

The anterior thigh skinfold site (also called the front thigh or mid thigh) is one of the common locations used for the assessment of body fat using skinfold calipers. Less commonly the posterior thigh site is used, and another site on the leg is the patella or knee cap site (details below). See the complete list of skinfold sites, and the general procedure for taking skinfold measurements.

Front thigh skinfold site landmarkAnterior Thigh Landmark

The mid-point of the anterior (front) surface of the thigh, midway between patella (knee cap) and inguinal fold (crease at top of thigh). 

Front thigh skinfold pinchPinch

A vertical pinch is taken. This measurement is normally taken with the subject sitting and the knee bent at right angles. If there is difficulty in lifting a fold of skin, it may be easier with the leg extended, or with the thigh supported from below by the subject.

Other Thigh Skinfold Sites

Reference



Related Pages

send us a comment Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.

Testing Extra

We have over 400 fitness tests listed, so it's not easy to choose the best one to use. You should consider the validity, reliability, costs and ease of use for each test. Use our testing guide to conducting, recording, and interpreting fitness tests. Any questions, please ask or search for your answer. To keep up with the latest in sport science and this website, subscribe to our newsletter. We are also on facebook and twitter.

 → How to Cite