Which statement best describes the preferred measuring tape for body composition measurements?

• A. The tape is cloth and 1 inch wide, with no specified length
• B. The tape measure will be a non-stretchable material, preferably fiberglass; cloth or steel tapes are unacceptable; width 1/4 to 1/2 inch; minimum 5 feet; retractable fiberglass tape is best
• C. The tape is flexible nylon 0.75 inch wide and 3 feet long
• D. Any tape as long as it can bend around the body

Answer: (B)

When taking body circumference measurements, the tape must be non-elastic so readings stay accurate and repeatable no matter how tightly you pull. Fiberglass is preferred because it’s non-stretch, durable, and holds calibration over time, which field use often demands. Cloth tapes stretch and can produce inconsistent results, while steel tapes are rigid and can be uncomfortable or fail to conform to body contours. The width should be narrow enough to curve smoothly around body sites without bending into the readout, typically about a quarter to a half inch, which improves precision. A minimum length of around five feet is important so you can wrap around larger measurement sites like the waist or hips without repositioning. A retractable fiberglass tape combines these advantages—non-stretch, readable, and easy to use—making it the best choice for accurate body composition measurements.