Somatotype Calculator (Heath-Carter Anthropometric Method)
Calculate your Heath-Carter somatotype — endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy — from height, weight, four skinfolds, two bone breadths and two girths, with somatochart X–Y.
How it works
Endomorphy = −0.7182 + 0.1451X − 0.00068X² + 0.0000014X³, X = (triceps + subscapular + supraspinale) × 170.18 ÷ height · Mesomorphy = 0.858 × humerus + 0.601 × femur + 0.188 × (arm girth − triceps/10) + 0.161 × (calf girth − calf skinfold/10) − 0.131 × height + 4.5 · HWR = height ÷ ∛weight; Ectomorphy = 0.732 × HWR − 28.58 (HWR ≥ 40.75), 0.463 × HWR − 17.63 (38.25 < HWR < 40.75), 0.1 (HWR ≤ 38.25)
The Heath-Carter method rates physique on three components: endomorphy (relative fatness, from three skinfolds corrected for height), mesomorphy (musculoskeletal robustness, from bone breadths and girths corrected for fat and height) and ectomorphy (relative linearity, from the height-to-cube-root-of-weight ratio). The three numbers are always written in that order, for example 3–5–2, and any rating at or below zero is set to 0.1. Measurements follow ISAK technique: skinfolds in mm on the right side, breadths and girths in cm. The somatochart X and Y coordinates place the result on the classic triangular plot.
Worked example
Height 175 cm, weight 72 kg, skinfolds 10/12/9/8 mm, humerus 6.9 cm, femur 9.8 cm, flexed arm 33 cm, calf 37 cm: X = 31 × 170.18 ÷ 175 = 30.15 → endomorphy 3.1; mesomorphy = 5.92 + 5.89 + 0.188 × 32 + 0.161 × 36.2 − 22.93 + 4.5 = 5.2; HWR = 175 ÷ 4.16 = 42.07 → ectomorphy 2.2. Somatotype 3.1–5.2–2.2, an endomorphic mesomorph.
Sources: Carter JEL (2002) The Heath-Carter Anthropometric Somatotype — Instruction Manual · Carter JEL, Heath BH (1990) Somatotyping — Development and Applications. Cambridge University Press
Frequently asked questions
What do the three somatotype numbers mean?
The first is endomorphy (fatness), the second mesomorphy (muscle and bone) and the third ectomorphy (linearity or slenderness). Each usually ranges from about 0.5 to 7+, and the pattern of the three tells you your body type — not a single label.
What is a typical somatotype for athletes?
Most athletes are mesomorphic. Sprinters and rugby players are often around 2–6–1 or 2–5–2; distance runners and high jumpers are more ectomorphic, such as 1.5–4–3.5. Average young adults are closer to 3.5–4.5–2.5 for men and 4.5–3.5–2.5 for women.
Which measurements do I need?
Height, weight, four skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, supraspinale, medial calf), the bi-epicondylar breadths of the humerus and femur, and the flexed-and-tensed arm girth and maximum calf girth. A trained anthropometrist with calibrated callipers gives the most reliable result.
Can my somatotype change?
Yes. Endomorphy changes with body fat and mesomorphy with muscle gain or loss, while bone breadths stay fixed. Training and diet can shift the rating noticeably over months, so it is useful for tracking athletes.
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This calculator is an educational aid for nutrition and health professionals. It does not replace a clinical assessment — measurement technique strongly affects the result, so interpret it with a qualified professional.