1. Chest
To measure the chest, diagonally pinch a fold that is halfway between the armpit and the nipple. For women, you’ll want to pinch 1/3rd of the way between the armpit and nipple. This will allow you to pinch far enough away from the breast tissue to get an accurate reading.
2. Abdominal
The abdominal measurement should be taken utilizing a vertical fold 2cm to the right of your belly button.
3. Suprailiac
The suprailiac measurement should be taken utilizing a diagonal fold at the crest of the hipbone directly below the front of the armpit. It is located right above the hip bone.
4. Midaxillary
The midaxillary measurement should be taken with a vertical fold directly below the middle of the armpit on the same level as the breast bone. To easily measure this location, raise your arm over your head while a partner measures the area below the armpit.
5. Tricep
The tricep measurement is located at the midway point on the back of the upper arm, halfway between the shoulder and elbow. It should be taken with a vertical fold.
6. Subscapular
The subscapular measurement should be taken with a diagonal fold. It is located in the scapula region on the backside of your body. For the most accurate reading, the fold should be taken just below the shoulder blade to the side of the spine.
7. Thigh
The 7th and final measurement is at the thigh. To measure this location, take a vertical fold halfway between your hipbone and your kneecap.
Calculating Your Body Fat Percentage
After you’ve measured all 7 locations 3 times and have an average of each individual measurement, you’re ready to plug your results into the formulas below to determine your body fat percentage. We'll be using the Jackson and Pollock 7 site formula for this.
Body Fat Calculation for Males
Body Density = 1.112 – (0.00043499 * sum of skinfolds) + (0.00000055 * square of the sum of skinfold sites) – (0.00028826 * age)
Body Fat Percentage = (495 / Body Density) – 450
Body Fat Calculation for Females
Body Density = 1.097 – (0.00046971 * sum of skinfolds) + (0.00000056 * square of the sum of skinfold sites) – (0.00012828 * age)
Body Fat Percentage = (495 / Body Density) – 450
What These Body Fat Percentage Numbers Mean
| Category |
Males (% BF) |
Females (% BF) |
| Essential Fat |
2-5% |
10-13% |
| Athlete |
6-13% |
14-20% |
| Fitness |
14-17% |
21-24% |
| Acceptable |
18-24% |
25-31% |
| Obesity |
>25% |
>32% |
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE