Answer 12 questions to discover your somatotype — ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph
Question 1 of 120%
Your Primary Body Type
Mesomorph
Ectomorph
Mesomorph
Endomorph
Ectomorph
0%
Mesomorph
0%
Endomorph
0%
⚫ Training Recommendations
⚫ Nutrition Guidelines
⚫ Famous Athletes With Your Body Type
Understanding the 3 Body Types (Somatotypes)
The somatotype system was developed by psychologist William Sheldon in the 1940s and classifies human physiques into three categories: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. While modern exercise science recognizes that genetics, lifestyle, and training all shape your body, understanding your natural body type helps you choose more effective training and nutrition strategies.
Ectomorph
Ectomorphs are characterized by a lean, long-limbed build with narrow shoulders and hips. They have a fast metabolism and find it difficult to gain weight — both muscle and fat. Ectomorphs often excel in endurance sports like long-distance running, cycling, and swimming.
Mesomorph
Mesomorphs have a naturally athletic, medium-framed build with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. They gain muscle relatively easily and can lose fat without extreme effort. Mesomorphs tend to excel in power sports, bodybuilding, and team sports that require both speed and strength.
Endomorph
Endomorphs have a wider, stockier build with broader hips and a tendency to store body fat, especially around the midsection. They are often naturally strong, particularly in the lower body. Endomorphs do well in powerlifting, football, and sports requiring mass and power.
Body Type Comparison
Trait
Ectomorph
Mesomorph
Endomorph
Frame size
Small / narrow
Medium / broad shoulders
Large / wide
Metabolism
Fast
Moderate
Slow
Muscle gain
Difficult
Easy
Moderate
Fat storage
Low
Moderate
High
Best cardio
Minimal HIIT
Moderate mix
Regular HIIT + LISS
Ideal macros
High carb
Balanced
Higher protein/fat
Frequently Asked Questions
The three somatotypes are ectomorph (lean, long limbs, fast metabolism), mesomorph (muscular, medium frame, gains muscle easily), and endomorph (wider build, stores fat easily, strong lower body). Most people are a combination of two or all three types.
Your skeletal frame and genetic predispositions don't change, but your body composition absolutely can. Through targeted training and nutrition, an endomorph can become lean and an ectomorph can build significant muscle. Body type describes your natural tendencies, not your destiny.
Somatotype quizzes provide a useful general classification based on your bone structure, metabolism, and body composition tendencies. While not a clinical assessment, they help identify your dominant body type so you can tailor your training and nutrition approach. Most people are a blend of two types.
Ectomorphs benefit from higher carb and calorie intake to support growth. Mesomorphs do well with balanced macros (40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat). Endomorphs often respond best to higher protein and fat with moderate carbs. However, total calories and protein intake matter more than body type for most goals.
Ectomorphs should focus on heavy compound lifts with lower volume and longer rest periods. Mesomorphs respond well to varied training with moderate volume. Endomorphs benefit from combining resistance training with higher-intensity cardio. All body types should prioritize progressive overload and consistency.
Yes — most people are a combination. Common blends include ecto-mesomorph (lean and muscular), endo-mesomorph (muscular but carries more fat), and ecto-endomorph (slim upper body, stores fat in lower body). Our quiz gives you percentage scores for each type to show your unique blend.