Best way to measure a waist?

[ScotHill]

I have bathroom scales but also want to track a bit of weight loss with a measuring tape - so is there a 'standard' way of measuring a waist? I'm conscious that there's more to body fat than just what is wobbling around on the outside.

If I let everything hang out and disengage my abdominal muscles the reading is obviously going to be very different to if I empty my lungs and hoick my stomach in as far as it will go. And while I would measure the waist for trousers a bit below the naval, the most circumferent part of me at the moment is about level with it.

[Carbon Sasquatch]

If it’s just for you to track progress, then the answer is ‘consistently’

I’d go for relaxed - not tensed or breathing in, belly button height.

[gregs656]

Taking pictures might be easier to get consistent.

[witko999]

Use your pants as a go/no go gauge.

[hyphen]

Do it at the same time of day, e.g. First thing in morning.

Just take a breath and let it out so belly is at normal position and then measure it across belly button.

[V8covin]

Take a piece of string,wrap it around your waist til it meets at your belly button.
Cut it off.
Now you have a permanent guide to wether you're getting thinner or fatter without needing a tape measure .