Body Fat Caliper vs. Tape: Which Measures Better?
By GoFit Fitness Equipment - GoFit. | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Comparisons
Compare the GoFit Body Fat Caliper and GoTape for body composition tracking. Learn which tool suits your fitness goals and how to use them effectively.
Quick Answer
For tracking fat loss, choose the GoFit Body Fat Caliper; for tracking muscle gain and circumference changes, choose the GoTape. Both are affordable and simple, but they measure different aspects of body composition.
What Each Tool Measures
The GoFit Body Fat Caliper measures the thickness of a skinfold with the underlying fat layer, giving you a body fat percentage estimate using the included Male or Female Body Fat Chart. It’s a direct measure of fat at specific sites.
The GoTape measures circumference around arms, legs, waist, and more, up to 60 inches (≈152cm). It tracks changes in size, which reflect both fat loss and muscle gain, but it doesn’t tell you your body fat percentage directly.
Accuracy vs. Simplicity
The caliper’s accuracy depends on consistent technique—pinching the same site each time and reading the slide when the Accuracy Lever clicks. It’s simple but requires a bit of practice to get reliable numbers.
The tape is easier and quicker: just pull it around the body part and slide the Keeper into place. It’s less prone to technique errors, but circumference alone can’t distinguish fat from muscle.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Body Fat Percentage: Use the caliper if you want a body fat percentage estimate. It’s more direct for fat loss tracking but requires consistent technique. Practice pinching the same skinfold site each time for reliable trends.
- Circumference Tracking: Use the tape if you want to track size changes like waist, arms, or legs. It’s faster and easier, but doesn’t separate fat from muscle. Measure the same spots under the same conditions (e.g., same time of day) for consistency.
- Combining Both: For a fuller picture, use both: the caliper for fat percentage and the tape for muscle gains and overall size changes. Record both weekly to see how your body composition shifts over time.
Product Facts
- Body Fat Caliper: The GoFit Body Fat Caliper measures skinfold thickness and includes a Male or Female Body Fat Chart to read your body fat percentage. You get a direct estimate of body fat percentage at home without expensive equipment, making it ideal for tracking fat loss progress.
Body Fat Caliper - GoTape (Body Measurement): The GoTape measures circumference up to 60 inches (≈152cm) and is easier and quicker than a clumsy loose tape measure. It’s perfect for tracking muscle gains and waist changes, giving you quick feedback on size changes without complex calculations.
GoTape (Body Measurement)
Which Should You Choose?
Best for
- Individuals focused on reducing body fat percentage
- Trainers who want a quick, portable body fat assessment tool
Not for
- People who want to track muscle gains or circumference changes without learning skinfold technique
- Those who prefer a no-pinch, instant measurement of size
