Measuring Body Density
There are several ways of determining the body's density (density = mass / volume), either by directly measuring body weight and volume, or by using calculations based on other measurements. Body density measures are used in the estimation of percent body fat.
Measurements
- Underwater Weighing — body density can be measured using the hydrostatic weight technique.
- Whole-body Air-Displacement Plethysmography (BodPod) — measures body volume and weight to determine density.
Equations / Calculations
- Jackson & Pollock — body density equations for men and women using skinfold measures.
- Sloan Equation — body density equations for men and women using 2 skinfold sites.
- Durnin and Womersley — body density equations for men and women of various ages.
Related Pages
- A discussion about Body Composition Testing
- Calculating percent body fat
- Norms for %bodyfat levels for athletes and the general population
- Videos of Anthropometric Tests including Skinfold Testing.
- Skinfold caliper store
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