Skinfold Body Fat Calculator (Jackson-Pollock 3-Site)
Body fat from 3-site skinfold measurements.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Body density
- 1.0733
- Estimated body fat
- 11.2%
Quick answer
The Jackson-Pollock 3-site formula converts skinfold thickness and age into an estimated body density and body fat percentage.
Body density = c1 - c2 x (sum of folds) + c3 x (sum)^2 - c4 x age; %BF = 495/BD - 450
How to use the Skinfold Body Fat Calculator (Jackson-Pollock 3-Site)
- 1Take three skinfold measurements with calipers at the standard sites (chest, abdomen, thigh for men; tricep, suprailiac, thigh for women).
- 2Enter the sum and your age.
- 3Caliper technique matters a lot — inconsistent pinching is the biggest source of error, and this is not a diagnostic measurement.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- SexMale
- Site 1 fold12 mm
- Site 2 fold15 mm
- Site 3 fold10 mm
- Age30 years
Results
- Body density1.0733
- Estimated body fat11.2%
Frequently asked questions
Why three sites and not seven?
The 3-site protocol is faster and correlates well with the more detailed 7-site version.
Can I do this myself?
It's easier and more repeatable with a second person taking the measurements.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.