Body Type Calculator for Men: A Guide
Understand the three male body types, learn how somatotype classification works, and discover how to determine your body shape as a man.
Short Answer
Male body types are classified using the somatotype system: ectomorphs are lean with narrow frames, mesomorphs are naturally muscular with broad shoulders, and endomorphs have wider builds that gain weight more easily. Most men are a blend of two types. Measure your shoulders, chest, waist, and hips to determine which category fits you best.
Male Body Types Overview
The somatotype system, developed by psychologist William Sheldon in the 1940s, classifies human physiques into three fundamental categories based on frame size, muscle tendency, and fat distribution.
Ectomorph
The Lean FrameKey Characteristics
- • Narrow shoulders and hips
- • Long limbs relative to torso
- • Low body fat percentage
- • Difficulty gaining weight or muscle
- • Fast metabolism
- • Smaller joints and bone structure
Celebrity Examples
Brad Pitt, Chris Rock, Toby Maguire
Fitness Approach
Focus on heavy compound movements (squats, deadlifts, bench press) with lower rep ranges (6-8). Eat in a caloric surplus with high protein intake. Limit excessive cardio.
Mesomorph
The Athletic BuildKey Characteristics
- • Broad shoulders with narrow waist
- • Naturally muscular build
- • Medium-sized bone structure
- • Gains muscle relatively easily
- • Moderate metabolism
- • Well-proportioned torso and limbs
Celebrity Examples
Chris Hemsworth, Mark Wahlberg, Cristiano Ronaldo
Fitness Approach
Responds well to most training styles. Mix moderate rep ranges (8-12) with both compound and isolation exercises. Balanced diet with adequate protein supports muscle maintenance.
Endomorph
The Solid FrameKey Characteristics
- • Wider hips and waist
- • Broader bone structure overall
- • Higher tendency to store body fat
- • Strong lower body naturally
- • Slower metabolism
- • Round or soft body composition
Celebrity Examples
Jack Black, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill
Fitness Approach
Combine strength training with regular cardio. Higher rep ranges (10-15) with shorter rest periods help boost metabolism. Focus on nutrient-dense foods and moderate caloric intake.
How Male Body Shapes Differ from Female
Men and women store fat differently due to hormonal differences, and their skeletal structures are fundamentally distinct. Understanding these differences explains why body shape classification systems are gender-specific.
Male Characteristics
- • Shoulders are typically wider than hips
- • Fat stored primarily in abdomen
- • Higher natural muscle mass
- • Less pronounced waist-to-hip ratio
- • Thicker torso and ribcage
Female Characteristics
- • Hips are often wider than shoulders
- • Fat stored in hips, thighs, buttocks
- • Lower natural muscle mass
- • More pronounced waist-to-hip ratio
- • Narrower ribcage relative to hips
Because of these structural differences, the female silhouette system (hourglass, pear, rectangle, etc.) does not translate directly to men. The somatotype system accounts for male-specific fat distribution and musculature patterns.
Key Measurements for Men
To accurately determine your male body type, take these four measurements with a flexible tape measure:
Shoulder Circumference
Stand upright with arms at your sides. Have someone wrap the tape around the widest point of your shoulders, across the deltoid muscles. This is typically the broadest point of your upper body.
Why it matters: Shoulder width relative to waist is the primary indicator of a V-shaped (mesomorph) build.
Chest Circumference
Place the tape around the fullest part of your chest, across the nipple line. Keep the tape snug but not compressing. Arms should be at your sides, breathing normally.
Why it matters: Chest-to-waist ratio indicates muscular development and overall frame structure.
Waist Circumference
Measure at the narrowest point of your torso, typically just above the navel. Do not flex your abs or hold your breath. The tape should be level all around.
Why it matters: Waist measurement is the strongest indicator of endomorphic tendency and overall body fat.
Hip Circumference
Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Stand with feet together and keep the tape parallel to the floor.
Why it matters: Hip measurement completes the picture and helps distinguish between body types with similar upper-body proportions.
Somatotype Classification Explained
The somatotype system rates each person on a scale for all three body types. Rather than being purely one type, most men are rated on a 1-7 scale for each component. For example, a rating of "2-6-3" means low ectomorph (2), high mesomorph (6), moderate endomorph (3).
The Three Components
Endomorphy (1st number)
Measures relative fatness and roundness. Higher scores indicate a greater tendency to store body fat and a softer, rounder physique.
Mesomorphy (2nd number)
Measures musculoskeletal development relative to height. Higher scores indicate greater natural muscle mass, broader bones, and an athletic build.
Ectomorphy (3rd number)
Measures linearity and slenderness. Higher scores indicate a leaner, longer frame with less body mass relative to height.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 male body types?
The three male body types are ectomorph (lean and long, difficulty gaining muscle), mesomorph (naturally muscular and athletic build), and endomorph (broader frame, gains weight easily). Most men are a combination of two types rather than purely one.
How do I calculate my male body type?
Measure your shoulder circumference, chest circumference, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Compare the ratios: broad shoulders with a narrow waist suggest mesomorph, a narrow frame overall suggests ectomorph, and a wider midsection suggests endomorph. Our calculator can help determine your type from these measurements.
Are male body shapes different from female body shapes?
Yes. Male body shape classification typically uses the somatotype system (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph) which focuses on muscle-to-fat ratio and frame size. Female classification commonly uses the silhouette system (pear, hourglass, rectangle, etc.) based on bust-waist-hip proportions. Men generally have broader shoulders and narrower hips than women.
Can an ectomorph become muscular?
Absolutely. While ectomorphs may find it harder to gain muscle mass, consistent strength training with progressive overload and a caloric surplus can build significant muscle over time. Many successful bodybuilders started as ectomorphs. The key is patience and proper nutrition.
Does body type affect which exercises I should do?
Body type can inform your training strategy. Ectomorphs often benefit from heavy compound lifts with fewer reps. Mesomorphs respond well to varied training. Endomorphs may benefit from combining strength training with cardio. However, all body types should include a mix of resistance and cardiovascular exercise.
Can your somatotype change over time?
Your underlying skeletal frame does not change, but your body composition can shift significantly with diet and exercise. An endomorph can become leaner with consistent training, and an ectomorph can add substantial muscle mass. Lifestyle factors play a major role in how your body type expresses itself.
Somatotype classification based on Sheldon's body type theory. Fitness recommendations are general guidance and not a substitute for professional advice.Learn about our methodology
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