Bodyfat calculation with the
7-folds formula by Jackson / Pollock

Please enter your measurements:
Location 1st fold 2nd fold 3rd fold
mm mm mm
mm mm mm
mm mm mm
mm mm mm
mm mm mm
mm mm mm
mm mm mm
years




How does it work?

First measure all seven sites; three times would be best, but once is enough. Then enter your values into the apropriate fields and klick the Calculate button. The result will be displayed.

What if no result is displayed?

We need one value in each line at least. If you did not, the calculator ignores your input. And please don't forget to enter your age, please. It's needed, too. folds locations on the front

The Locations

1) Chest fold: A diagonal fold at the outer pectoralis, in the midlle between nipple and axilla.
2) Scapula fold: A diagonal fold on the back, at the lower edge of the scapula. Angle of inclination should be 45°, clockwise.
3) Axilla fold: A vertical fold at the point of intersection from axilla and nipple.
4) Triceps fold: A vertical fold at mid of the upper arms backside.
5) Waist fold: A vertical fold an inch right from the navel. 6) Hip fold: A diagonal fold straight over the pelvis, close to the navel. Angle of inclination should be 30°, clockwise.
7) Tight fold: A vertical fold in front of the tigh, half way from hip joint to knee. folds locations on the back

The formula for men

S = sum of all folds
A = age (in years)
d = 1.112 - 0.00043499*S + 0.00000055*S² - 0.00028826*A
Bodyfat [%] = 495 / d - 450

The formula for women

S = sum of all folds
A = age (in years)
d = 1.0970 - 0.00046971*S + 0.00000056*S² - 0.00012828*A
Bodyfat [%] = 495 / d - 450

The source

(for men:) Jackson, Pollock: Generalized equations for predicting body density of men.
from: British Journal of Nutrition, edition Nr. 40 (November 1978), pages 497 to 504.

(for women:) Jackson, Pollock, Ward: Generalized equations for predicting body density of women.
from: Medicin and Science in Sports and Exercise, 12(3): pages 175 to 182, 1980