Before and after measurements
Put in your measurements from then and now and see what has changed, spot by spot.
Your details
Leave any spot blank and it is skipped. Your numbers stay on this page and vanish when you close it.
Your total change
−3.0 in
Smaller overall
- Waistdown 1.5 in
- Hipsdown 1.0 in
- Chestdown 0.5 in
Measurements often change when the scales do not, especially if you have started strength training. Measure at the same time of day, in the same spots, every few weeks rather than every day.
The working
Simple subtraction
For each spot, after minus before. Waist 34 in to 32.5 in, hips 41 to 40 and chest 38 to 37.5 add up to 3 inches smaller in total, even if the scales only moved a couple of pounds.
Measuring well
Same spot, same way
- Waist: halfway between your lowest rib and hip bone.
- Hips: the widest part of your bottom.
- Chest: under the armpits, across the fullest part.
- Thigh: the widest part, usually just below your bottom.
- Arm: halfway between shoulder and elbow, arm relaxed.
How often
Every few weeks
Measurements change slowly, so every 4 weeks is plenty. Take them at the same time of day, before eating, and note where you measured so next time matches.
Questions
Common questions
Why are my measurements changing but not my weight?
If you are training, you may be gaining a little muscle while losing fat. Muscle takes up less space than the same weight of fat.
Which measurement matters most for health?
Your waist. NICE suggests keeping it under half your height.
Is this saved anywhere?
No. Everything stays on your device and disappears when you leave the page. Jot your numbers down if you want to compare later.
Sources
Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.
If your weight is on your mind
Talk to your GP if your weight has changed a lot without trying, or if it is worrying you. If food or your body feels hard to think about, Beat has a free helpline on 0808 801 0677 (England, weekdays 3pm to 8pm).
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