SKINFOLD
BODY FAT
Estimate body fat using the Jackson-Pollock 3-site skinfold method.
The Jackson-Pollock Skinfold Method
The Jackson-Pollock 3-site skinfold method is a widely used, validated technique for estimating body fat percentage using skinfold calipers. For men, measurements are taken at the chest, abdomen, and thigh. For women, at the tricep, suprailiac (above the hip bone), and thigh. The sum of these three measurements, combined with age, is entered into the Siri density equation to estimate body fat percentage.
Accuracy
When performed correctly by a trained measurer, the JP3 method has a standard error of approximately 3.5% compared to hydrostatic weighing. Key sources of error include measurement technique, caliper quality, and biological variation (skin compressibility). Consistency in measurement site and technique is more important than absolute precision.