DEXA Scan vs Skinfold Calipers: Which Is Better?

Last updated: February 13, 2026

The Verdict

DEXA is more accurate but less accessible and more expensive. Calipers is more practical for regular use. Choose DEXA for periodic precision testing and Calipers for ongoing tracking. For an alternative that balances both, FitCommit AI body scan offers good accuracy at $3.99/month from your phone.

Quick Overview

DEXA Scan

Gold standard accuracy

Accuracy+/- 1-2%

Cost$75-150

Time10-20 minutes

WhereClinics and medical facilities only

Skinfold Calipers

Moderate accuracy

Accuracy+/- 3-8%

Cost$0-30

Time5-10 minutes

WhereHome, gyms, personal trainers

How Each Method Works

DEXA Scan

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry uses two X-ray beams at different energy levels to measure bone mineral density, lean tissue, and fat tissue. You lie on a table for 10-20 minutes while the scanner passes over your body.

Skinfold Calipers

A trained person pinches your skin at 3-7 specific body sites (chest, abdomen, thigh, etc.) and measures the thickness of the skinfold with calipers. The measurements are plugged into a formula (Jackson-Pollock or Durnin-Womersley) to estimate overall body fat percentage.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Category	DEXA	Calipers	Winner
Accuracy	Gold standard (+/- 1-2%)	Moderate (+/- 3-8%)	DEXA
Cost	$75-150	$0-30	Calipers
Convenience	Clinics and medical facilities only	Home, gyms, personal trainers	Calipers
Time Per Test	10-20 minutes	5-10 minutes	Tie
Tracking Frequency	Quarterly	Monthly	Calipers

Pros and Cons

DEXA

Pros

✓Gold standard accuracy for body composition measurement.
✓Measures regional fat distribution (where fat is stored).
✓Also measures bone mineral density.
✓Consistent results between different machines and operators.
✓Accepted in clinical research and medical settings.

Cons

×$75-150 per scan makes frequent tracking expensive.
×Requires an appointment at a clinic or imaging center.
×Low-level radiation exposure (minimal but present).
×Results can shift based on hydration status.
×Not available in most gyms. Limited locations.

Calipers

Pros

✓Very affordable. Buy calipers for $10-30 or get measured free at most gyms.
✓Good for tracking changes over time if the same person measures you.
✓No technology required. Simple mechanical tool.
✓Can be done at any gym or at home.

Cons

×Accuracy depends entirely on the skill of the person measuring.
×High variability between different testers (3-8% error range).
×Hard to self-administer. Need someone else to pinch and measure.
×Only measures subcutaneous fat, misses visceral (internal) fat.
×Formulas assume average fat distribution, which varies by individual.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose DEXA if:

✓Baseline measurements when starting a fitness program.
✓People who need clinical-grade accuracy for medical reasons.
✓Quarterly check-ins for serious athletes or bodybuilders.

Choose Calipers if:

✓People with access to a skilled personal trainer who does regular measurements.
✓Budget-conscious individuals who want basic tracking.
✓Gym-goers who want a free estimate from staff.

Want an Easier Option?

FitCommit measures body fat from your phone camera in 60 seconds. No clinic visits, no equipment, no appointments. Good accuracy (+/- 3-5%) at $3.99/month for unlimited scans. Also calculates TDEE, macros, and transformation timelines.

Try FitCommit Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use the same method every time I test?

Yes. Consistency matters more than absolute accuracy for tracking progress. Switching between methods (e.g., DEXA one month, calipers the next) makes it impossible to compare results meaningfully. Pick one method and stick with it.

How much does body fat testing cost over a year?

DEXA: $300-600 for quarterly scans. InBody: $100-200 for monthly scans. FitCommit: $47.88 for unlimited scans. Calipers: $10-30 one-time. Navy method: free. Smart scales: $30-100 one-time. Cost should match how often you need to test.

Can I trust home body fat measurements?

Home methods (smart scales, navy method, calipers) are less accurate than clinical methods. But they are useful for tracking trends if you test consistently at the same time, same conditions. Do not obsess over the absolute number. Watch the direction.

How often should I get a DEXA scan?

Every 3-6 months for most people. More frequently is expensive and unnecessary since body composition changes slowly. Use a cheaper method (like FitCommit or calipers) for monthly tracking, then validate with DEXA quarterly.

Related Guides

Cutting Guide

6 deficit levels with timelines and calorie targets for fat loss phases

Bulking Guide

3 surplus levels with timelines and calorie targets for muscle gain phases

Weight Loss Timeline

Exact timelines for losing 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100 pounds at different deficit levels

Calorie Guide

Understand deficit and surplus percentages with TDEE calculations

Get Your Body Fat Percentage in 60 Seconds

AI body scan from your phone camera. Body fat percentage, lean mass, TDEE, and macros. No equipment. No gym. Free 7-day trial.

Try FitCommit Free

DEXA Scan vs Skinfold Calipers: Which Is Better?

Last updated: February 13, 2026

The Verdict

Quick Overview

DEXA Scan

Gold standard accuracy

Accuracy+/- 1-2%

Cost$75-150

Time10-20 minutes

WhereClinics and medical facilities only

Skinfold Calipers

Moderate accuracy

Accuracy+/- 3-8%

Cost$0-30

Time5-10 minutes

WhereHome, gyms, personal trainers

How Each Method Works

DEXA Scan

Skinfold Calipers

Head-to-Head Comparison

Category	DEXA	Calipers	Winner
Accuracy	Gold standard (+/- 1-2%)	Moderate (+/- 3-8%)	DEXA
Cost	$75-150	$0-30	Calipers
Convenience	Clinics and medical facilities only	Home, gyms, personal trainers	Calipers
Time Per Test	10-20 minutes	5-10 minutes	Tie
Tracking Frequency	Quarterly	Monthly	Calipers

Pros and Cons

DEXA

Pros

✓Gold standard accuracy for body composition measurement.
✓Measures regional fat distribution (where fat is stored).
✓Also measures bone mineral density.
✓Consistent results between different machines and operators.
✓Accepted in clinical research and medical settings.

Cons

×$75-150 per scan makes frequent tracking expensive.
×Requires an appointment at a clinic or imaging center.
×Low-level radiation exposure (minimal but present).
×Results can shift based on hydration status.
×Not available in most gyms. Limited locations.

Calipers

Pros

✓Very affordable. Buy calipers for $10-30 or get measured free at most gyms.
✓Good for tracking changes over time if the same person measures you.
✓No technology required. Simple mechanical tool.
✓Can be done at any gym or at home.

Cons

×Accuracy depends entirely on the skill of the person measuring.
×High variability between different testers (3-8% error range).
×Hard to self-administer. Need someone else to pinch and measure.
×Only measures subcutaneous fat, misses visceral (internal) fat.
×Formulas assume average fat distribution, which varies by individual.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose DEXA if:

✓Baseline measurements when starting a fitness program.
✓People who need clinical-grade accuracy for medical reasons.
✓Quarterly check-ins for serious athletes or bodybuilders.

Choose Calipers if:

✓People with access to a skilled personal trainer who does regular measurements.
✓Budget-conscious individuals who want basic tracking.
✓Gym-goers who want a free estimate from staff.

Want an Easier Option?

Try FitCommit Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use the same method every time I test?

How much does body fat testing cost over a year?

Can I trust home body fat measurements?

How often should I get a DEXA scan?

Related Guides

Cutting Guide

6 deficit levels with timelines and calorie targets for fat loss phases

Bulking Guide

3 surplus levels with timelines and calorie targets for muscle gain phases

Weight Loss Timeline

Exact timelines for losing 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100 pounds at different deficit levels

Calorie Guide

Understand deficit and surplus percentages with TDEE calculations

Get Your Body Fat Percentage in 60 Seconds

AI body scan from your phone camera. Body fat percentage, lean mass, TDEE, and macros. No equipment. No gym. Free 7-day trial.

Try FitCommit Free