Skin Fold Test: A method of estimating bodyfat percentage by taking skinfold caliper measurements in

3-9 different locations on the body, and then applying the results into one of the various formulas
available. In order to get the best and consistent measurements, all skinfold measurements should be
taken on the same side (usually on the right side) and by the same person. Also, a minimum of two
measurements should be taken at each location. If the two measurements differ by more than 2
millimeters, a third measurement should be taken. The skin fold test calculator then uses the average of
the 2-3 measurements when making the calculations.

7-Site Body Fat Percentage Calculation: The formulas used for calculating the male and female
percentages in the skin fold test calculator are as follows:

Male BF%=495/(1.112-(0.00043499*s)+(0.00000055*s*s)-(0.00028826*a))-450

Female BF%=495/(1.097-(0.00046971*s)+(0.00000056*s*s)-(0.00012828*a))-450

Variables s = sum of 7 skinfold mm, a = age

Bodyfat Percentage Categories: The American Council on Exercise lists the following bodyfat percentage
categories:

Category Women Men

Essential fat 10% to 12% 2% to 4%

Athletes 14% to 20% 6% to 13%

Fitness 21% to 24% 14% to 17%

Acceptable 25% to 31% 18% to 25%

Obese 32% or higher 26% or higher

Skin Fold Test Calculator Measurement Sites

Pectoral or Chest Site

Female Male
Pectoral (Chest): The pinch is taken between the areola and the armpit (axilla) but closer to the armpit,
approximately 1/3 the distance. The skin fold is a diagonal one in the direction of the areola-armpit line.

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Abdomen or Belly Site

Female Male

Abdomen (Belly): A vertical or horizontal fold is taken 2 centimeters to the right of the bellybutton
(umbilicus). The vertical pinch is mostly used as the fat folds easier with most people. Some might find
the horizontal pinch to fold easier. Use the direction that allows the most comfortable measurement.

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Quadriceps or Thigh Site

Female Male

Quadriceps (Thigh): The skin fold here should be taken in the front, halfway from the upper part of the
knee (proximal patella, where it corners when the leg is bend) and the fold above the thigh when the
leg is raised (inguinal fold). The vertical fold should be pinched a little harder as fat and skin tissue in
this area tends to be somewhat firmer. The thigh skin fold may therefore overestimate fat content.
[ Back to Calculator ]

Triceps Site

Female Male

Triceps (Upper arm, back): Pinch a vertical skin fold halfway the upper arm. If you want to be more
precise, use a tape between the bony top of the shoulder or acromiale (do not confuse it with the bony
upper part of the shoulder blade!) and the most prominent tip of the elbow (radiale). Mark a dot or a
horizontal line at half the measured distance, heres where the vertical fat fold should be pinched.
Face the hand palm forward.

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Subscapula Site

Female Male

Subscapula (Shoulder blade, lower tip): Locate the bottom tip of the shoulder blade (scapula) by
moving the arm behind the back. Move the arm back to its original position. Take the skin fold at
approximately 2 centimeters below the bottom tip at an angle of 45 degrees, almost parallel to the
inside angle of the shoulder blade.
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Suprailiac or Iliac Crest Site

Female Male

Suprailiac or Iliac crest (Hip, front): This skin fold is right below the front or anterior part of the armpit
(axilla). From here follow a vertical line until you hit the hipbone. The skin fold is an angled one (approx.
45 going up and away from the body) 2 centimeters right above the iliac crest. The fold spot should
be between the top of the hipbone on the side and the bony part on the lower right of the belly, which
is still the same hipbone.

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Midaxillary Site

Female Male

Midaxillary (Armpit at fifth rib): This fold is taken on the side of the torso, horizontally or vertically at
the fifth rib. The most common is however a vertical fold. Its position can be determined by locating the
lower tip of the breast bone (xiphoid process) and following a horizontal line to the side of the torso
until youre right below the arm pit (axilla). The arm should be raised at approximately chest height.
[ Back to Calculator ]

* Jackson, A.S. & Pollock, M.L. (1978) Generalized equations for predicting body density of men. British J
of Nutrition, 40: p497-504.
* Jackson, et al. (1980) Generalized equations for predicting body density of women. Medicine and
Science in Sports and Exercise, 12:p175-182.