How to Measure Abdominal Girth

A step-by-step guide to measuring your abdominal circumference at home — the same way clinicians do it.

Anatomical landmarks for measuring abdominal circumference on a female body: midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the iliac crest
  1. 1

    Strip the area

    Remove or lift bulky clothing so the tape touches bare skin (or a thin layer). Heavy fabric adds centimeters that aren’t yours.

  2. 2

    Stand naturally

    Feet shoulder-width apart, weight evenly distributed, arms hanging at your sides. Don’t suck in or push out the abdomen.

  3. 3

    Find the landmark

    Place a finger on the bottom of your last rib and another on the top of your hip bone (iliac crest). The midpoint between them is where the tape goes — usually just above the belly button.

  4. 4

    Wrap the tape

    Pass the tape around the abdomen at that midpoint. Keep it horizontal and parallel to the floor all the way around — use a mirror or take a photo from the side to check.

  5. 5

    Snug, not tight

    The tape should touch the skin without compressing it. You should be able to slip a fingertip under it.

  6. 6

    Breathe out, then read

    Read the measurement at the end of a normal exhale (not a forced one). Record to the nearest 0.1 cm or 1/8 inch.

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What you’ll need

  • A flexible, non-stretchable measuring tape (cloth or fiberglass — not a metal builder’s tape).
  • A mirror, or a friend, to check the tape stays horizontal.
  • About 30 seconds. Best done first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking.

Common mistakes

  • Measuring at the belly button only

    On many bodies the navel sits well below the true waist landmark. Use the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest instead.

  • Pulling the tape tight

    A tight tape compresses skin and underestimates girth. Keep it snug enough to stay in place, no tighter.

  • Measuring over thick clothing

    Sweaters and jeans add several centimeters. Measure over bare skin or a single thin layer.

  • Holding your breath

    Inhaling expands the abdomen; forced exhale collapses it. Read at the end of a normal, relaxed exhale.

  • Letting the tape sag at the back

    Without checking, the tape often slips down at the back. Use a mirror or take a side-on photo to verify.

This guide is for general education. For clinical assessment, talk to your clinician.