Topend Sports Logo

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.

neck girth testingneck girth testing

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

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