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Body Density Equations: Jackson & Pollock

Here are several equations that give a value for body density from skinfold and girth circumference test results, from the research of Dr. Andrew Jackson and M. L. Pollock. Once the body density is calculated using the equations below, the level of percent bodyfat (%BF) can then be determined using the Siri Equation. See more equations for measuring body fat using skinfold measures.

Males

Equation includes girth measurements

Body Density = 1.0990750 - 0.0008209 (X₂) + 0.0000026 (X₂)² - 0.0002017 (X₃) - 0.005675 (X₄) + 0.018586 (X₅). Where X₂ = sum of the chest, abdomen and thigh skinfolds in mm, X₃ = age in years, X₄ = waist circumference in cm, and X₅ = forearm circumference in cm.

3-Site Skinfold Equation

Body Density = 1.10938 - (0.0008267 x sum of chest, abdomen and thigh skinfolds in mm ) + (0.0000016 x square of the sum of chest, abdomen and thigh) - (0.0002574 x age)
(reference: Jackson, A.S. & Pollock, M.L. (1978), based on a sample aged 18-61)

4-Site Skinfold Equation

Body Density = (0.29288 x sum of skinfolds) – (0.0005 x square of the sum of skinfolds) + (0.15845 x age) – 5.76377, where the skinfold sites (measured in mm) are abdominal, triceps, thigh and suprailiac
(reference: Jackson A S, Pollock, M (1985) Practical assessment of body composition. Physician Sport Med. 13: 76-90.)

7-Site Skinfold Equation

Body Density = 1.112 - (0.00043499 x sum of skinfolds) + (0.00000055 x square of the sum of skinfold sites) - (0.00028826 x age), where the skinfold sites (measured in mm) are: Chest, Axilla, Tricep, Subscapular, Abdominal, Suprailiac and Thigh
(reference: Jackson, A.S. & Pollock, M.L. (1978), based on a sample aged 18-61)

Females

Equation that includes girth measurements

Body Density = 1. 1 470292 - 0.0009376 (X₃) + 0.0000030 (X₃)² - 0.0001156 (X₄) - 0.0005839 (X₅), Where: X₃ = sum of triceps, thigh and suprailiac skinfolds, in mm, X₄ = age in years and X₅ = gluteal circumference in cm.

3-Site Skinfold Equation

Body Density = 1.0994921 - (0.0009929 x sum of triceps, thigh and suprailiac skinfolds) + (0.0000023 x square of the sum of triceps, thigh and suprailiac skinfolds) - (0.0001392 x age in years)
(reference: Jackson, et al. (1980), based on a sample aged 18-55)

4-Site Skinfold Equation

Body Density = (0.29669 x sum of skinfolds) – (0.00043 x square of the sum of skinfolds) + (0.02963 x age) + 1.4072, where the skinfold sites (measured in mm) are abdominal, triceps, thigh and suprailiac

7-Site Skinfold Equation

Body Density = 1.097 - (0.00046971 x sum of skinfolds) + (0.00000056 x square of the sum of skinfold sites) - (0.00012828 x age), where the skinfold sites (measured in mm) are: Chest, Axilla, Tricep, Subscapular, Abdominal, Suprailiac and Thigh
(reference: Jackson, A.S. & Pollock, M.L. (1978), based on a sample aged 18-61)

References

• Jackson, A. S., & Pollock, M. L. (1978). Generalized equations for predicting body density of men. British Journal of Nutrition, 40, 497-504.
  

• Jackson, A. S., Pollock, M. L., & Ward, A. (1980). Generalized equations for predicting body density of women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 12, 175-182.

Related Pages

• More on body density
• Calculating percent bodyfat
• norms for %bodyfat levels for athletes and the general population
• Skinfold Measures
• A discussion about Body Composition Testing
• Videos of Anthropometric Tests including Skinfold Testing.

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