Fat and skin are pinched away from muscle at various site on your body and measured with a caliper. The measurements are plugged into a formula to determine your percent body fat. Advantage: This is readily available at most health clubs and hospitals.

Drawback: Results can vary greatly in the hands of an inexperienced technician. (An electronic caliper decreases error considerably.)

Cost Up to $25

Where you can get it; health club; hospital fitness center; university athletic center; personal trainer.