How to Measure Head Circumference Correctly – Illustrated Guide

Jan 16, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Locate the line between the centers of the left and right eyebrows, and find its midpoint, which is the supraorbital ridge. Take a flexible measuring tape and place the zero point on the supraorbital ridge to begin measurement. Run the tape horizontally along the eyebrow arch, around the back of the head behind the ears, passing over the upper edges of both ears. Continue until the tape reaches the midpoint of the external occipital protuberance at the back of the head, then bring it forward again toward the forehead. The number where the tape overlaps and crosses itself indicates the head circumference.

Head circumference is measured using a flexible tape measure passed symmetrically around the head, going from above the eyebrows and over the occipital protuberance. The specific procedure is as follows:

1. The measurer should stand upright, hold the head high with chest out, and look straight ahead.

2. Locate the line connecting the medial points of both eyebrows; the midpoint of this line corresponds to the glabella.

3. Place the zero point of a flexible tape measure at the glabella to begin measurement.

4. Pass the tape horizontally from the glabella around the back of the head, following the upper edges of both ears.

5. Finally, bring the tape over the midpoint of the external occipital protuberance and continue forward until it meets the starting point on the forehead. The number where the tape overlaps and crosses itself indicates the head circumference.