Jackson-Pollock 4-site Body Fat Calculator

Estimate your body fat percentage from four skinfold measurements using the four-site method developed by Jackson, Pollock and Ward. The calculation uses the triceps, suprailiac, abdominal and thigh skinfolds, along with your age.

1

Your age

years
The method was developed for adult women; this calculator can be used between ages 18–55.
2

Triceps skinfold

mm
Measure the triceps skinfold on the back of the right upper arm in millimeters.
3

Suprailiac skinfold

mm
Measure the skinfold above the iliac crest at the specified measurement site.
4

Abdominal skinfold

mm
Measure the abdominal skinfold at the standard measurement site in millimeters.
5

Thigh skinfold

mm
Measure the skinfold on the front of the thigh at the standard Jackson-Pollock measurement site.

Estimated body fat percentage:

0.0%

The result is an estimated body fat percentage based on the sum of the four skinfolds and your age.

Your Jackson-Pollock 4-site result

0.0%
body fat
0.000
body density
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The result is an informational estimate, not medical or healthcare advice. The accuracy of skinfold measurements depends on the measurement technique, precise identification of the measurement site and the equipment used.
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How does the Jackson-Pollock 4-site body fat calculator work?

The Jackson-Pollock 4-site body fat calculator estimates body fat percentage from the thickness of four skinfolds. The method uses the sum of the triceps, suprailiac, abdominal and thigh skinfolds, together with age, to estimate body density. The estimated body density is then converted into body fat percentage using the Siri equation applied to women.

Term What does it mean? In the calculation Why is it important?
Triceps The thickness of the skinfold measured on the back of the upper arm. mm One of the input variables in the four-site Jackson-Pollock equation.
Suprailiac The skinfold measured at the standard measurement site above the iliac crest. mm One of the standard anthropometric measurement sites for subcutaneous fat.
Abdomen The thickness of the skinfold measured at the standard abdominal measurement site. mm One of the four measurements contributing to the total skinfold sum.
Thigh The skinfold measured on the front of the thigh at the specified measurement site. mm The fourth skinfold used in the four-site equation.
Σ4 The combined sum of the four skinfolds. Triceps + suprailiac + abdomen + thigh This four-skinfold sum appears directly in the body density equation.
Age Your age at the time of measurement, in years. years Age appears as a separate term in the body density regression equation.

1. Add the four skinfolds

The calculator adds the thicknesses of the triceps, suprailiac, abdominal and thigh skinfolds. Measurements must be entered in millimeters because this is the unit used by the original regression equation.

2. Estimate body density

The Jackson, Pollock and Ward equation uses the four-skinfold sum, including a squared term, together with age to determine the estimated body density.

3. Determine body fat percentage

The estimated body density is then converted into body fat percentage using the Siri conversion applied to women. The result is an anthropometric estimate, not a direct measurement of body fat.

1. Sum of the four skinfolds:
Σ4 = triceps + suprailiac + abdomen + thigh

2. Jackson-Pollock-Ward body density equation:
BD = 1.096095 − 0.0006952 × Σ4 + 0.0000011 × Σ4² − 0.0000714 × age

3. Female Siri conversion:
Body fat % = [(5.01 ÷ BD) − 4.57] × 100

Target population:
The four-site Jackson-Pollock-Ward equation is based on a female sample, so this calculator is intended for women. The equation should not be replaced with a male version because inventing a male four-site equation would not be scientifically appropriate.

Skinfold measurement results can be significantly affected by the precise measurement site, the technique used to pinch the skinfold, caliper quality and the experience of the person taking the measurements. The calculator result should therefore be interpreted as an estimate. For tracking changes over time, the method is most useful when measurements are taken consistently at the same sites and under similar conditions.

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The Jackson-Pollock 4-site body fat calculator estimates body-fat percentage from four skinfold measurements: triceps, suprailiac, abdomen and thigh, together with age. It first calculates body density using the female-specific Jackson, Pollock & Ward 4-site equation and then converts body density into an estimated body-fat percentage using the female-specific Siri conversion. The method is designed for women and depends heavily on accurate skinfold measurements. For tracking progress, taking measurements consistently at the same anatomical sites and under similar conditions is more useful than treating any individual result as an exact body-fat measurement.

Medical Disclaimer: The calculator results and information provided in this article are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions related to your health, diet, or fitness goals. Individual results may vary, and this tool should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

How does the Jackson-Pollock 4-site body fat calculator work?

The Jackson-Pollock 4-site method estimates body fat using four skinfold measurements and age. The calculator combines the triceps, suprailiac, abdominal and thigh skinfolds into a four-site total, which is then entered into the Jackson, Pollock & Ward equation to estimate body density. The estimated body density is subsequently converted into an estimated body-fat percentage using the female-specific Siri conversion. This makes the result an indirect estimate rather than a direct measurement of body fat.

Which skinfolds are needed for the Jackson-Pollock 4-site method?

The Jackson-Pollock 4-site method requires measurements from four locations: the triceps, suprailiac, abdomen and thigh. Each measurement should be taken with a skinfold caliper at the appropriate anatomical site. The published equation uses skinfold thicknesses in millimeters, so measurements entered in inches are converted to millimeters automatically by the calculator. Consistent measurement technique is particularly important when using the method to monitor changes in body composition over time.

How accurate is the Jackson-Pollock 4-site body fat calculator?

The Jackson-Pollock 4-site method provides an estimate rather than directly measuring body fat. Its accuracy can be influenced by the quality of the caliper, the exact measurement location, the technique of the person taking the measurements and differences in individual fat distribution. A single calculated percentage should therefore not be treated as an exact measurement. Repeating measurements consistently can make the method more useful for identifying changes over time.

Why does age matter in the Jackson-Pollock 4-site equation?

Age is included directly in the published Jackson, Pollock & Ward 4-site body-density equation. The formula therefore considers both the combined thickness of the four skinfolds and the person's age when estimating body density. As a result, two women with the same four-site skinfold total can receive different estimated body-density and body-fat results when their ages differ.

Can men use the Jackson-Pollock 4-site method?

The specific Jackson-Pollock & Ward 4-site equation used by this calculator is a female-specific equation. It should not be applied to men as though it were a sex-neutral formula. Jackson-Pollock also developed other skinfold equations for men, including different three-site and seven-site methods. The appropriate equation should be selected according to the population for which it was developed.

How should I measure skinfolds as consistently as possible?

Use the same caliper, the same anatomical locations and the same measurement technique whenever possible. Ideally, measurements should be taken by someone who understands skinfold assessment and can consistently locate the required sites. Avoid comparing measurements obtained using substantially different techniques or equipment. When the goal is progress tracking, consistency is especially important because small differences in measurement technique can affect the calculated result.

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