1. What is the Jackson-Pollock Skinfold Formula?

The Jackson-Pollock 3-site skinfold formula estimates body fat percentage from skinfold measurements, age, and gender. It's one of the most widely used methods for body composition assessment in fitness and clinical settings.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Jackson-Pollock equation for men:

Where:

• \( Sum \) — Sum of chest, abdominal, and thigh skinfolds (mm)
• \( Age \) — Age in years

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between skinfold thickness and body fat percentage, with age as a modifying factor.

3. Importance of Body Fat Percentage

Details: Body fat percentage is a key indicator of health and fitness, more meaningful than body weight alone. It helps assess obesity risk, track fitness progress, and guide nutrition and training programs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the sum of three skinfold measurements (chest, abdominal, thigh) in mm, age in years, and select gender. All values must be valid (sum > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the skinfold method?
A: When performed by a trained professional, skinfold measurements can be within 3-5% of more advanced methods like DEXA scans.

Q2: What are healthy body fat percentage ranges?
A: For men: 6-24% (athletes 6-13%, fitness 14-17%, average 18-24%, obese 25%+). For women: 16-30% (athletes 14-20%, fitness 21-24%, average 25-30%, obese 31%+).

Q3: Where should skinfold measurements be taken?
A: For this formula: chest, abdominal, and thigh sites. Measurements should be taken on the right side of the body with proper calipers.

Q4: Are there limitations to this method?
A: Less accurate for very lean or obese individuals, older adults, and those with loose skin or significant subcutaneous fat distribution changes.

Q5: Is there a different formula for women?
A: Yes, women use triceps, suprailiac, and thigh measurements with different coefficients in the formula.