What type of measurement uses calipers to estimate total body fat?

The type of measurement that uses calipers to estimate total body fat is skinfold measurement. This method involves pinching specific areas of the skin to gauge the thickness of subcutaneous fat. By measuring these skinfolds at various sites on the body, practitioners can estimate total body fat percentage based on standardized equations that take into account the individual's age, sex, and sometimes ethnicity.

Skinfold measurements are practical for use in various settings, from fitness assessments to clinical evaluations, and are valued for their ability to provide a relatively quick and low-cost estimation of body fat. This technique relies on the premise that a significant portion of total body fat is stored as subcutaneous fat, which can be accurately measured with calipers.

The other methods mentioned, such as hydrostatic weighing, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and air displacement plethysmography, involve different techniques and equipment that do not utilize calipers or skinfold measurements. Hydrostatic weighing assesses body density through water displacement, bioelectrical impedance uses electrical signals to estimate body composition, and air displacement plethysmography involves measuring body volume through air displacement. Each of these methods has its own advantages and use cases but does not involve calipers in the measurement process.