Neck Girth
Girths are circumference measures at standard anatomical sites around the body. The neck girth measurement is a measure of the circumference around the neck at the level above the Adam's Apple. See the list of girth measurement locations.
purpose: to measure the circumference of the neck, as one of the many measurements of body size.
equipment required: flexible metal tape measure and pen suitable 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.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The neck measurement is taken immediately above the thyroid cartilage (the Adam's Apple). The subject should keep their head up and looking straight ahead.When recording, you need to make sure the tape is not too tight or too loose, is lying flat on the skin.
reliability: Factors that may affect reliability include
changes to the testing personnel, constant and even tension on the tape,
and correct landmarking (finding the correct anatomical site for measurement).
advantages: low costs involved in the testing procedure, and ease of self testing
comments: Girth measurements combined with skinfold measurements can give a clearer picture of changes in tissue composition and distribution of muscle and fat.
Similar Tests
Related Pages
- General description of taking girth measurements, and links to other girth measures
- A discussion about Body Size Testing
- using MyoTape for girth measurement.
- other anthropometric tests
- Videos of Anthropometric Tests