To use the 3 site skinfold calculator measure the skinfolds when the skin is dry, before exercise, and when you're not overheated. Measure each skinfold 3 times and use the 2 which agree. Pinch from the top and measure from the bottom. (Directions to take skinfolds are given after the calculator.) This will allow you to determine what are high skinfolds.

Enter the skinfold values in the tables below and press 'calculate body fat'.

Skinfold Body Fat (men)

Chest (mm)    
Abdominal (mm)    
Thigh (mm)    
Age    
   
Body Density =    
Body Fat (%) =    
   
 

Skinfold Body Fat (women)

Triceps (mm)    
Suprailiac (mm)    
Thigh (mm)    
Age    
   
Body Density =    
Body Fat (%) =    
   

The 3 Site Skinfold for Men

  • SITE 1 - CHEST. A diagonal fold taken one half of the distance between the nipple and the anterior auxiliary. (The anterior auxiliary line is the crease where the top of the arm, when hanging down, meets the chest.)
  • SITE 2 - ABDOMINAL. A vertical skinfold measurement taken 2.5 cm (one inch) to the right of the umbilicus (navel).
  • SITE 3 - THIGH. A vertical skinfold measurements taken half the distance between the patella (knee cap) and the inguinal crease (the skin crease between the thigh and the hip). The leg should be straight and relaxed.

The 3 Site Skinfold for Women

  • SITE 1 - TRICEPS. With the arm resting comfortably at the side, take a vertical fold parallel to the long axis of the arm midway between the prominent bone at the top of the shoulde (acromion process) and the tip of the elbow (olecranon process).
  • SITE 2 - SUPRAILIAC. Take a diagonal fold following the natural line of the iliac crest, just above the hip bone.
  • SITE 3 - THIGH. A vertical skinfold measurements taken half the distance between the patella (knee cap) and the inguinal crease (the skin crease between the thigh and the hip). The leg should be straight and relaxed.

References:
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.
Siri, W. E. (1961). Body composition from fluid space and density. In J. Brozek & A.