How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose height.
- Enter or choose weight.
- Enter or choose triceps skinfold.
- Enter or choose subscapular skinfold.
- Enter or choose supraspinale skinfold.
- The somatotype (endo-meso-ecto) updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
Endo = −0.7182 + 0.1451X − 0.00068X² + 0.0000014X³, X = (triceps + subscapular + supraspinale) × 170.18 ÷ H; Meso = 0.858HB + 0.601FB + 0.188CAG + 0.161CCG − 0.131H + 4.5; Ecto = 0.732HWR − 28.58 (HWR ≥ 40.75), 0.463HWR − 17.63 (38.25 < HWR < 40.75), else 0.1
- H
- height in cm
- HB, FB
- humerus and femur breadths in cm
- CAG
- flexed arm girth − triceps skinfold ÷ 10 (cm)
- CCG
- calf girth − calf skinfold ÷ 10 (cm)
- HWR
- height ÷ cube root of weight
- X, Y
- somatochart coordinates: X = ecto − endo, Y = 2 × meso − (endo + ecto)
Worked example
- X = 30 × 170.18 ÷ 175 = 29.17, so endomorphy = 2.97 ≈ 3.0.
- Mesomorphy = 0.858 × 6.8 + 0.601 × 9.6 + 0.188 × 32 + 0.161 × 36.3 − 0.131 × 175 + 4.5 = 5.04 ≈ 5.0.
- HWR = 175 ÷ ∛72 = 42.07, so ectomorphy = 0.732 × 42.07 − 28.58 = 2.21 ≈ 2.2.
- Mesomorphy dominates and endomorphy exceeds ectomorphy by more than half a unit: endomorphic mesomorph.
These measurements give a somatotype of 3.0-5.0-2.2, an endomorphic mesomorph: predominantly muscular, with moderate fatness.
What the result means
Each component typically runs from about ½ to 7 or more. The category names which component dominates. A somatotype describes present physique; it changes with training, diet and age and is not a fixed genetic “type” or a health rating.
Assumptions and limits
- Measurements are taken by a trained measurer using ISAK-style landmarks, a skinfold caliper and a small sliding caliper for breadths.
- Adults and adolescents; ratings are reported to one decimal and the category uses those rounded values.
- Skinfold measurement error, especially by untrained measurers, can move endomorphy by half a unit or more.
- Popular “body type” diet and training advice based on somatotypes is not supported by good evidence.
Questions
Can I use this without calipers?
Not reliably. The endomorphy and mesomorphy equations need skinfolds and bone breadths; guesses give meaningless ratings. Ectomorphy depends only on height and weight.
What do the X and Y numbers mean?
They place your somatotype on the two-dimensional somatochart used in research: X = ectomorphy − endomorphy and Y = 2 × mesomorphy − (endomorphy + ectomorphy).
Sources
Please note: This is a general screening estimate for adults, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Talk to a qualified health professional about your health.