Classify your body type using the Heath-Carter somatotype method. Calculate your endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph scores from body measurements. Includes somatotype chart.
The Heath-Carter somatotype method is a widely used anthropometric system for classifying physique into three components: endomorphy (relative fatness), mesomorphy (relative musculoskeletal development), and ectomorphy (relative linearity or slenderness). Originally developed by William Sheldon in the 1940s and refined by Barbara Heath and Lindsay Carter in the 1960s-1990s, somatotyping provides a three-number rating that describes body build in a more structured way than a simple quiz.
Unlike simplistic "what body type am I?" quizzes, this calculator uses actual anthropometric measurements to compute scores. Your somatotype is expressed as three numbers (for example, 3-5-2), representing endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy respectively, each typically ranging from 1 to 7. Most people are a blend of all three components, and the pattern can be used as descriptive training context rather than as a fixed label.
This calculator uses the simplified anthropometric Heath-Carter method, requiring your height, weight, skinfold measurements, limb circumferences, and bone breadths to produce your three-component somatotype rating with visualization.
Somatotype is most useful as a descriptive training and body-build framework. It can help you compare the same measurements over time, discuss physique patterns in sports-science terms, and understand how the three-component Heath-Carter system differs from informal body-type quizzes. It should be treated as context rather than as a fixed rule set for diet or training.
Endomorphy = −0.7182 + 0.1451×S − 0.00068×S² + 0.0000014×S³ Where S = (sum of tricep + subscapular + suprailiac skinfolds) × (170.18 / height in cm) Mesomorphy = 0.858×HB + 0.601×FB + 0.188×CAG + 0.161×CCG − 0.131×H + 4.5 Where HB = humerus breadth, FB = femur breadth, CAG = corrected arm girth, CCG = corrected calf girth, H = height (cm) Ectomorphy based on HWR (Height / ∛Weight): If HWR ≥ 40.75: Ecto = 0.732×HWR − 28.58 If 38.25 < HWR < 40.75: Ecto = 0.463×HWR − 17.63 If HWR ≤ 38.25: Ecto = 0.1
Result: Somatotype: 2.8 - 5.2 - 2.1 (Mesomorph-dominant)
The sum of skinfolds (35 mm) corrected for height yields a moderate endomorphy score of 2.8. Strong arm and calf girths relative to bone breadths produce a high mesomorphy of 5.2. The moderate height-to-weight ratio gives an ectomorphy of 2.1. This 2.8-5.2-2.1 somatotype indicates a mesomorph-dominant physique — naturally muscular with moderate body fat.
William Sheldon introduced somatotyping in the 1940s as a visual physique classification system. Barbara Heath and J. E. Lindsay Carter later replaced that impression-based approach with a measurement-driven anthropometric method. Modern sports-science use is based on the Heath-Carter revision rather than on Sheldon's original personality-linked model.
Endomorphy is estimated from skinfold thickness corrected for height. Mesomorphy uses bone breadths plus corrected limb girths to describe relative musculoskeletal development. Ectomorphy is derived from the height-weight ratio and reflects linearity. The final somatotype is written as three values, such as 2.8-5.2-2.1, instead of forcing someone into a single label.
Somatotype is used mostly in anthropometry, coaching, and sports-science profiling. It can help compare cohorts, describe how an athlete's build changes over time, and give context when looking at physique patterns across sports. It is less useful as a stand-alone health or nutrition decision tool because it does not measure body composition directly and it should not be used to predict what someone can or cannot achieve.
Somatotype depends on measurement quality, especially skinfolds and bone breadths. It also compresses complex physiology into three scores, so it cannot replace direct body-composition testing, nutrition assessment, or training history. Use it as descriptive context rather than as a rigid prescription.
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This calculator applies the anthropometric Heath-Carter somatotype method. It first height-corrects the sum of triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfolds to estimate endomorphy, then uses humerus breadth, femur breadth, corrected arm girth, corrected calf girth, and height to estimate mesomorphy. Ectomorphy is derived from the height-weight ratio using the standard piecewise Heath-Carter equations.
The output is a descriptive three-number somatotype profile rather than a diagnosis or training prescription. Results depend heavily on accurate skinfold, girth, and breadth measurements, so the calculator is best used as a structured estimate or comparison tool.
Endomorphy describes relative body fatness and roundness. Mesomorphy describes relative musculoskeletal development and robustness. Ectomorphy describes relative linearity and slenderness. Each person receives a score (typically 1-7) for each component, creating a three-number profile. A score of 1 means minimal expression; 7 means extreme expression of that component.
Somatotype has both genetic and environmental components. Your skeletal frame (bone breadths) is genetically fixed and strongly influences the ectomorph component. However, muscle mass (mesomorphy) and body fat (endomorphy) can change significantly with training and nutrition. Over a training career, you might shift from 4-3-3 to 2-5-2, for example.
Ectomorphs (high ecto score) typically need more calories and volume-focused training to build mass. Endomorphs (high endo score) often benefit from cardio, HIIT, and careful calorie management. Mesomorphs (high meso score) tend to build muscle and lose fat relatively easily. However, these are tendencies, not rules — anyone can build an impressive physique with consistent training regardless of somatotype.
Ideally you need a skinfold caliper (Harpenden or Slim Guide), a flexible tape measure, a bone caliper (spreading caliper) for humerus and femur breadths, and a stadiometer or wall-mounted ruler for height. The skinfold caliper is the most important tool; bone breadths can be approximated if necessary.
Sheldon's original system classified people into fixed categories. The Heath-Carter revision treats somatotype as a continuous, measurable variable that can change over time. It uses objective anthropometric measurements instead of photographic assessment and is the standard used in modern sports science research.
Yes, somatotyping is widely used in sports science to profile athletes by sport. For example, marathon runners tend to be ecto-mesomorphs (low endo, moderate meso, high ecto), while wrestlers tend to be meso-endomorphs. This can help with talent identification and training specialization, though individual variation is significant.
A balanced or "central" somatotype has roughly equal scores across all three components, such as 3-3-3 or 4-4-4. This is uncommon — most people have one or two dominant components. There is no "ideal" somatotype; the best physique is the one that supports your health, function, and athletic goals.
Without bone breadth measurements, the mesomorphy component will be less accurate. You can estimate humerus breadth as approximately half your wrist circumference + 1 cm, and femur breadth as roughly ankle circumference / π. These are rough approximations and the result should be treated as an estimate.