Body Density Equations: Durnin & Womersley
These formula developed by Durnin and Womersley (1974) can be used to estimate body fat percentage using skinfold test results. The Durnin and Womersley formula is a general equation with limited population specificity since it was developed from a heterogeneous group of varying ages.
The calculation of body fat % involves measuring four skinfold sites, triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac, and substitute the log of their sum into one of the following equations, Where D = predicted density of the body (g/ml), and L = log of the total of the 4 skinfolds (mm). The density value can then converted to Percent bodyfat (%BF) using the Siri Equation. There are more body density equations and other equations for measuring body fat using skinfold measures.
| age (years) | equations for males | equations for females |
|---|---|---|
| < 17 | D = 1.1533 - (0.0643 X L) | D = 1.1369 - (0.0598 X L) |
| 17-19 | D = 1.1620 - (0.0630 X L) | D = 1.1549 - (0.0678 X L) |
| 20-29 | D = 1.1631 - (0.0632 X L) | D = 1.1599 - (0.0717 X L) |
| 30-39 | D = 1.1422 - (0.0544 X L) | D = 1.1423 - (0.0632 X L) |
| 40 -49 | D = 1.1620 - (0.0700 X L) | D = 1.1333 - (0.0612 X L) |
| > 50 | D = 1.1715 - (0.0779 X L) | D = 1.1339 - (0.0645 X L) |
References
- Durnin, J.V.G.A. and Womersley, J. (1974). Body fat assessed from the total body density and its estimation from skinfold thickness: measurements on 481 men and women aged from 16 to 72 years. British Journal of Nutrition, 32, 77-97.
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.
- skinfold caliper store
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