Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Anthropometry > Body Composition > Ponderal Index
Ponderal Index (PI)
The Ponderal Index is a measure of body composition using height and weight. The BMI is a more common calculation of body fatness using the same measurements
- equipment required: scales and stadiometer for measuring weight and height.
- procedure: PI is calculated from measurements of body mass (M) and height (H). PI = the cube root of body weight divided by height, where body mass is in kilograms and height in meters. There are variations of this formula which are also called the Ponderal Index. There is also the reciprocal ponderal index, which is of course the height divided by the cube root of body weight.
- scoring: The higher the score indicating higher levels of body fat.
- target population: PI is commonly used in pediatrics.
- advantages: a simple calculation from standard anthropometrical measurements
- disadvantages:
- other comments: Other simple measures of body composition, such as skinfolds measures, would be preferable if available.
