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.