Correct Techniques for Measuring a Person's Height

Knowing what your height can be an important indicator of your health and development. For example, monitoring height in children can help to ensure that they are growing at a normal rate. Similarly, if a person's height decreases, this can be an indication of a physical condition such as osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important to get height measurements as accurate as possible by using the correct techniques.

Tools

• The best tool for measuring a person's height is a measuring rod, according to Osteoporosis Society of Canada. This device should be attached securely to a wall and feature a horizontal arm protruding out at a 90 degree angle that can be moved up and down according to the height of the person being measured. Alternatively, use a pencil and a ruler to mark the spot on a wall where the top of the person's head reaches,.then measure the distance between the mark and the floor with a tape measure. When doing this the ruler should be placed at a right-angle against he wall, directly over the top of the person's head.

Accuracy

• To help ensure the most accurate reading possible, pat down the hair and remove any bulky clothing, shoes, hair pieces or braided hairstyle. All of these can distort the reading. Also make sure the floor you are measuring on is not carpeted and you are using a flat wall,

Position

• Ask the person being measured to stand up straight with his heels together and touching the wall or bottom of the measuring rod. His shoulders should be level, arms by his side, head facing forward, buttocks touching the wall and his breathing at a relaxed pace. When taking the measurement, your eyes should be level with the horizontal arm of the rod or ruler being used to mark his height.

Recording

• Height should be recorded to the nearest millimeter. Height measurements should also be taken three consecutive times to achieve the most accurate reading by creating an average from the three measurements obtained, says Osteoporosis Society of Canada. This is because height measurements can vary every time they are taken --a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the "Precision Error". By repeating the measurement, you can reduce this margin for error. When measuring a person three times, you must ask them to step away from the wall to be repositioned each time. The average height obtained is then classified as the most precise reading.