I. Harpenden Stadiometer (wall mounted). The Harpenden stadiometer is used to measure standing height, i.e. stature. It is composed of a rigid vertical backboard which is mounted on the wall. Attached to this board is a rigid horizontal headboard which moves up and down the backboard on miniature ball bearing rollers. The readout (in millimeters) is on a counter on the headboard.

II. Recumbent Length Table. The recumbent length table is used to measure recumbent length. Its main component is a rigid, horizontal backboard with legs. It has a rigid, fixed headboard and a rigid, free-moving footboard which moves back and forth on miniature ball bearing rollers. The readout is in millimeters and located on the footboard.

III. Scales (Wheelchair, Bedside, Platform, or Infant). There are many kinds of scales that can be used to obtain weight measurements on a variety of subjects. Infants should be weighed on infant scales. Bedside scales can also be used to weigh infants, but they are better suited for older subjects who cannot stand on their own. Platform scales are used for subjects that can stand independently with their weight equally distributed on both feet. Subjects in wheelchairs can be kept in their wheelchairs and measured on a wheelchair scale or can be removed from their chairs and weighed on a bedside scale. All scales can be purchased with either manual beam displays or digital displays. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Manual beam displays do not need to be plugged in or have new batteries, but they are more susceptible to human error. Digital displays virtually eliminate human error, but they have to be powered either by batteries or electricity.

IV. Harpenden Anthropometer. The Harpenden anthropometer is used to measure upper arm length and tibial length. The moveable part runs on miniature ball bearing rollers. The main beam has a fixed notch at the end for one blade and a moveable counter box which holds the other blade. The blade moves easily and freely allowing the anthropometrist to use his/her fingertips to palpate the landmarks if needed(1). The counter displays in millimeters.

V. Knee Height Caliper. The knee height caliper is used for measuring knee height. It is composed of a centimeter marked main shaft with a fixed blade on the end and a sliding blade that moves up and down the shaft. The display is either read on the bottom edge of the sliding blade or in a display window inset in the sliding blade.

VI. The Holtain Skinfold Caliper.This instrument is used for all skinfold measurements. It is generally accepted as the most reliable and convenient of its kind(1). It is composed of two jaws which are controlled by a hand grip that are squeezed to open the jaws and released to close the jaws. The jaws exert a constant pressure of 10 g/mm2. The counter is calibrated to 0.2 mm.

VII. Tape Measures. Tape measures are used to measure all circumferences and can be used to measure tibial length. Inser-TapesTM (Ross) are especially easy to use for head circumferences because of their insertable, one-piece design which makes adjustments easier. Tape measures should be made of plastic, fiberglass or metal. Fabric tapes tend to stretch too much. When using retractable measuring tapes, care should be taken to ensure that the tape has been pulled out enough so that the spring pressure of the retracting mechanism doesn't affect the measurement. Other equipment that may be helpful to an anthropometrist are :
1. A list of subjects and their special needs
2. Data collection sheets (Appendix 1)
3. Clipboard
4. Pens
5. Spare paper