How to Measure Weight & Height

Having an accurate measurement of your height and weight is important for a variety of reasons. With proper measurements, you can keep track of your Body Mass Index, chart the growth of your child or use the information to find the proper sized clothes. There are a few points to remember to get an accurate height and weight measurement.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Ruler
• Scale

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Instructions

How to Measure Height

• 1

  Remove shoes and any hats, headwear or decorations from the hair of the subject being measured. This prevents anything from adding innaccurate height to the measurement.

• 2

  Stand against a wall with your heels together, flat on the floor and your arms down to the side. It is best to stand on a hard surface, not on carpet.

• 3

  Use the ruler and put it straight against the top of the subject's head. Make sure it is flat and not angled. Mark the bottom of the ruler, which is the point closest to the top of the subject's head.

• 4

  Measure the distance from the head mark to the floor with the tape measure. Record the inches or feet and inches to the nearest inch.

How to Measure Weight

• 5

  Measure with a digital scale if you have one, if not a standard scale will suffice. Digital scales are more accurate and do not have to be calibrated. If you are using a standard scale, make sure the dial is set to zero before stepping on.

• 6

  Remove all heavy clothing and shoes from the subject being weighed. This ensures that an accurate body weight is given and not inflated due to clothing or shoes.

• 7

  Stand in the center of the scale with both feet together. Wait until figure is displayed and then record the weight showing on the scale.