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Drawing Measurements of the Human Figure

The height of the "ideal" human figure is based on the length of eight heads. This basic scale will guide you when measuring the actual figures you're drawing. When the measurements of a real figure are not identical to that of the classical model (most often the case), one can refer to this standard division of the figure into eight units and use these divisional lines to locate and draw each respective section/body part. Regardless of the guide, as you draw be aware of how the figure before you differs from these ideal proportions and by what degree.

Note:

1 unit = 1 head length
Body Length = 8 units
Body Width = 2 units.

Positioning of Key Body Parts
Top of head - line 1
Bottom of chin - line 2
Top of shoulders - one third of a unit below line 2
Nipples - line 3
Armpits - line 3
Elbows - line 4
Waist -line 4
Hips/crotch - line 5
Hands rest in the space between lines 5 & 6
Mid thigh - line 6
Knees - line 7
Mid calf/shin - line 8
Bottoms of feet - line 9

Additional notes:
The rib cage is about two units in length.
The pelvis section is about one unit in length.
The arms extend half a unit below the crotch
The lower leg, including the feet, is two heads in length.
Hand = the length of the face

Other pages of interest

Drawing backs and necks
Drawing the human figure
Proper measurements of the human figure
How to draw men and women
How to draw people

 

 

 

 

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