PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Body frame size, which accounts for bone mass and muscle mass, plays an important part in determining theoretical weight ranges. These ranges in turn act as guides for people to determine the weight they should be, depending on their frame size. There are three frame size categories: small, medium, and large. Each range varies, depending on your gender. You can determine which category you are by measuring the circumference on your wrist or the breadth of your elbow. Step 1 below begins to detail each method.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Wrist Circumference

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take the end of your tape measure and bring it all the way around your wrist. [1]
  2. You can use the tables below determine your frame size, according to your wrist size. [2]
  3. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Elbow Breadth

PDF download Download Article
  1. Be sure that your forearm is perpendicular to the ground. It doesn't really matter which arm you use, but you may find that the table below works best if you use your dominant side. [3]
  2. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I get people to stop judging my size as a woman?
    Community Answer
    You can't force people to stop judging your size, however you can ignore it and not let it get to you. Some people just don't understand that everyone is beautiful.
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • You can use an online frame size calculator to figure out your frame size. You still need to measure your wrist or elbow, but you can input the data into a calculator and have it automatically determine your frame size.
      • Regular exercise and eating healthy can provide perspective on how your body changes as you lose weight. Use those changes as motivation to maintain a health regimen that works for you.
      • In addition to the three frame sizes, there are three general "body types": endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph. Endomorphs have bigger bones and higher amounts of body fat, and lose weight slowly. Mesomorphs are medium-sized, strong, athletic, and lose weight and gain muscle relatively easily. Ectomorphs are skinny and long-limbed, with typically little muscle or body fat.
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      There are 3 frame sizes, small, medium, and large, and they usually depend on a few things including your gender and your body measurements. To measure your frame size with your wrist, wrap a tape measure snugly around your wrist and write down the measurement. If you’d rather measure your elbow to figure out your frame size, bend your arm at a 90-degree angle so your forearm is perpendicular to the ground. Then, use a ruler to measure the width of your elbow. Once you’ve taken your measurement, look at the chart below to figure out your frame size. To learn how to use an online frame size calculator, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 243,575 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement