Anthropometry is the method of obtaining precise measurements of the human body.

It
gives the comparative study of the measurements and capabilities of the human body. It is
derived from the Greek word ‘Anthropos’ (meaning human), and ‘matron’ (meaning measure).
Anthropometry developed in the 19th century as a method implemented by physical
anthropologists for the study of human variation and evolution in both living and extinct
populations.
Specifically, anthropomorphic measurements involve the
Size (e.g., height, weight, area, and volume),
Structure (e.g., height, width, length of various body parts), and
Composition (e.g., the percentage of body fat, water content, and body mass) of humans.

Tools for Anthropometry

A variety of specialized tools (as depicted below) are used to obtain anthropometric
measurements:
Stadiometers: height
Anthropometers: length and circumference of body segments
Bicondylar calipers: bone diameter
Skinfold calipers: skin thickness and subcutaneous fat
Scales: weight

Importance in Architecture & Designing

Anthropometry influences a wide range of industries, processes, services, and products and has
considerable importance in optimizing the design of buildings.
Human dimensions and capabilities are the key factors in determining a building’s proportions
and overall design. The underlying principle of anthropometrics is that building designs should
be suitable to the human body, rather than people having to suit the buildings.

There are two primary areas of anthropometry:

Static anthropometry (Ergonomics) is the measurement of body sizes at rest and when using
furniture & devices such as chairs, tables, beds, mobility devices, etc.
Functional anthropometry is the measurement of abilities related to movement tasks, such as
reaching, maneuvering and motion, and other aspects of space and equipment use.

Basic Human Anthropometry-2(in mm) Basic Human Anthropometry-3(in mm)

Basic Human Anthropometry (in mm)