How to Tell If You Have Good Body Measurements & Dimensions

How to determine the correct measurements and dimensions for your body is dependent upon your purpose and whether you are male or female. Bodybuilders will use different standards for their body measurements and dimensions than other people. There are online calculators for proper body dimensions, but the only thing these calculators take into account is your wrist measurement. There is no differentiation made for height or between men and women. Most gyms and doctors' offices have body fat percentage calculators.

Things You'll Need

• Tape Measure

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Instructions

• 1

  Find your waist-hip ratio to determine your cardiovascular health. Measure the smallest part of your waist (usually just over your belly button). Then measure the widest part of your hips. Divide the measurement of your waist in inches by your hip measurement in inches. If you are male, a ratio of .09 or lower is a low risk of heart attack. A ratio of .09 to .99 is a moderate risk. A ratio of 1 or higher puts you at high risk for cardiovascular problems. If you are female, .08 and lower is a low risk, .08 to .89 is a moderate risk and .9 or higher puts you at high risk.

• 2

  Find your BMI (body mass index) to determine what your ideal weight should be. Calculate your BMI by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703 and divide that number by the square of your height in inches. A BMI of less than 18.5 is underweight. A BMI of 18.5 to 25 is ideal. A BMI of 25 to 30 is overweight. BMIs of over 30 are considered to be obese.

• 3

  Consult a bodybuilder's guide to determine the optimal dimensions for bodybuilders. Several famous bodybuilders have published their own formulas for determining the perfect body dimensions. These dimensions include ratios for arms, wrists, calves, ankles, the neck, the chest, the pelvis, thighs and knees.