When we look at different height-weight charts, it mentions the body frame size. Appropriate weight of a person can be determined by taking the frame size into consideration.
For a long time, for one particular height there was only one body weight which was considered to be ideal. However, attention was not given to the body frame size of a person, due to which, two people with the same height and weight looked thinner or overweight. This is when scientists started researching on frame size. They came to a conclusion that bone structures of different people vary in size and the bone density of one person is different from another.
Therefore, in determining the proper weight for height and age, the bone structure and the muscle mass both need to be taken into consideration. For determining the body frame size, there are two methods that are commonly used.
Determining Your Body Frame Size
In a frame size calculator, there are three different frame sizes, namely small, medium, and large frame. People with large frames have a bone structure which is much larger, therefore the weight of their bones is also more as compared to the weight of the bones of medium-sized people. On the other hand, the bone weight of the person with smaller bone structure is much lesser.
Method # 1
In the first method, you will have to measure the circumference of your wrist. It is best to measure the circumference of both wrists. Use the measurement of wrist which is higher. There are different measurements for both men and women. The following tables provide further details.
Female Wrist Measurement | |||
Height | Small Frame | Medium Frame | Large Frame |
Less than 5’2″ | Wrist size less than 5.5″ | Wrist size 5.5″ to 5.75″ | Wrist size more than 5.75″ |
Between 5’2″ and 5.5″ | Wrist size less than 6″ | Wrist size 6″ to 6.25″ | Wrist size more than 6.25″ |
More than 5’5″ | Wrist size less than 6.25″ | Wrist size 6.25″ to 6.5″ | Wrist size more than 6.5″ |
Male Wrist Measurement | ||
Height More than 5’5″ | ||
Small Frame | Medium Frame | Large Frame |
Wrist Size 5.5″ to 6.5″ | Wrist Size 6.5″ to 7.5″ | Wrist Size more than 7.5″ |
Along with this, there is a simpler way out. In this method, you will not have to use any measurements. Wrap your thumb and longest finger of your right hand around the smallest part of the wrist of the left hand. If your thumb and finger overlap one another, then you are small framed. You have a medium frame if they touch one another. If they do not touch and there is a gap then you have a large frame. However, it is important to remember, this may not be the most accurate type of measuring the frame.
Method # 2
The next method uses the elbow breadth. To measure your elbow breadth, bend your forearm in a 90 degree angle, such that your palm faces the body. Now measure the distance between the two prominent bones on either side of the elbow. Before you refer this table, it is important to note that the following table is for medium-sized frames. Therefore, if your elbow breadth is lesser than the one mentioned here, then you are of small frame. If the measurement is more, then your body frame size is large.
Female Elbow Measurement | |
Height | Elbow Measurement |
4’10” – 4’11” | 2 ¼” – 2 ½” |
5’0″ – 5’3″ | 2 ¼” – 2 ½” |
5’4″ – 5’7″ | 2 3/8″ – 2 5/8″ |
5’8″ – 5’11” | 2 3/8″ – 2 5/8″ |
6’0″ – 6’4″ | 2 ½” – 2 ¾” |
Male Elbow Measurement | |
Height | Elbow Measurement |
5’2″ – 5’3″ | 2 ½” – 2 7/8″ |
5’4″ – 5’7″ | 2 5/8″ – 2 7/8″ |
5’8″ – 5’11” | 2 ¾” – 3″ |
6’0″ – 6’3″ | 2 ¾” – 3 1/8″ |
6’4″ – 6’7″ | 2 7/8″ – 3 ¼” |
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.