The Fitties Journal
How to Calculate Body Fat with the Durnin-Womersley Formula
Key Takeaways
Here's what matters most if you're short on time:
- The Durnin-Womersley method uses four skinfold measurements (tricep, bicep, subscapular, suprailiac), the same for both males and females.
- Developed in 1974 from a study of 481 individuals aged 16-72 and published in the British Journal of Nutrition. One of the most broadly validated body fat formulas available.
- Unlike most other caliper formulas, it uses age-specific equations that account for natural changes in body composition across the lifespan.
The Durnin-Womersley body fat formula, developed in 1974 by John V.G.A. Durnin and J. Womersley, estimates body fat percentage from four skinfold measurements combined with the subject's age and gender. The method was published in the British Journal of Nutrition and was based on a study of 481 individuals ranging from 16 to 72 years old.
What sets this method apart from most other caliper-based formulas is its use of age-specific equations. Rather than applying a single formula to everyone, the Durnin-Womersley method uses different equations for different age brackets, accounting for the fact that the relationship between skinfold thickness and total body fat changes as we age.
For a complete overview of all body fat measurement methods and how to use calipers, see our guide to measuring body fat.
Who Is This Method For?
The Durnin-Womersley method is a good fit for the general population, particularly adults across a wide age range. Its validation sample (ages 16-72) was broader than most caliper formulas, making it especially useful for older adults who may fall outside the typical population studied in other methods.
The tradeoff for this broad applicability is that the method can be slightly less accurate for very lean or highly trained individuals. If you are a competitive athlete, the Yuhasz method was designed specifically for athletic populations. If you want more measurement sites for improved precision, the Jackson-Pollock 7-site method uses seven sites.
FitProbio+
FitProbio+ features HOWARU Shape Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420, a probiotic strain shown to assist with healthy body composition by supporting gut barrier function and promoting less calorie consumption. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Delivered in DRcaps gastro-resistant capsules sealed in nitrogen-purged blister packs.
Shop FitProbio+Skinfold Measurement Locations (Males and Females)
All four measurement sites are the same for both males and females.
| Site | Location | Fold Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Tricep | Midway between the upper portion of the shoulder (acromion process) and the elbow (olecranon process), on the back of the arm. Subject stands with arm relaxed at their side. | Vertical |
| Bicep | Directly over the bicep muscle, halfway between the top of the shoulder and the elbow joint. Subject stands with arm relaxed at their side. | Vertical |
| Subscapular | Approximately 2 cm below the lower tip of the scapula (shoulder blade), at a 45-degree angle roughly parallel to the inner angle of the shoulder blade | Diagonal (45°) |
| Suprailiac | Approximately two inches above the iliac crest (upper protrusion of the hip bone), at a 45-degree angle going up and away from the body. Located between the top of the hipbone on the side of the body and the front of the hipbone. | Diagonal (45°) |
Durnin-Womersley Formula: Age-Specific Equations
Measure the following skinfolds in millimeters with body fat calipers: Tricep, Bicep, Subscapular, and Suprailiac. Then calculate L, which is the log base 10 (log10) of the sum of all four skinfold measurements.
Select the equation that matches the subject's age and gender:
| Age (years) | Male Equation | Female Equation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 17 | D = 1.1533 - (0.0643 x L) | D = 1.1369 - (0.0598 x L) |
| 17-19 | D = 1.1620 - (0.0630 x L) | D = 1.1549 - (0.0678 x L) |
| 20-29 | D = 1.1631 - (0.0632 x L) | D = 1.1599 - (0.0717 x L) |
| 30-39 | D = 1.1422 - (0.0544 x L) | D = 1.1423 - (0.0632 x L) |
| 40-49 | D = 1.1620 - (0.0700 x L) | D = 1.1333 - (0.0612 x L) |
| 50+ | D = 1.1715 - (0.0779 x L) | D = 1.1339 - (0.0645 x L) |
D = Body Density | L = log10(sum of skinfolds in mm)
Once you have Body Density, convert to Body Fat Percentage:
| Final Step | Formula |
|---|---|
| Body Fat % | (495 / D) - 450 |
Example Calculation
Here is a worked example for a 42-year-old female with the following skinfold measurements:
| Site | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Tricep | 18 mm |
| Bicep | 10 mm |
| Subscapular | 20 mm |
| Suprailiac | 16 mm |
| Sum of Skinfolds | 64 mm |
Step 1: Calculate L (log10 of sum)
L = log10(64) = 1.8062
Step 2: Select the correct equation (Female, age 40-49)
D = 1.1333 - (0.0612 x 1.8062)
D = 1.1333 - 0.1105
D = 1.0228
Step 3: Convert to Body Fat Percentage
Body Fat % = (495 / 1.0228) - 450
Body Fat % = 483.86 - 450
Body Fat % = 33.9%
Note: The Durnin-Womersley formula uses log10 (common logarithm) of the sum of skinfolds, not the natural logarithm (ln). Most scientific calculators have a "log" button that calculates log10 by default. If your calculator has an "ln" button, that is the natural logarithm and will produce incorrect results.
Tips for Accurate Results
Use the same calipers each time. Different caliper brands apply different jaw pressures. Consistency in your tool eliminates one variable from your tracking.
Measure at the same time of day. Hydration, meals, and body temperature can influence skinfold thickness. Morning measurements before eating tend to produce the most consistent results.
Take two to three readings at each site. Average the results to improve reliability. If two readings differ by more than 2 mm, take a third and average the two closest.
Have the same person take measurements each time. Inter-tester variation is one of the biggest sources of error in skinfold testing, especially at the subscapular site, which is harder to pinch consistently.
Always measure from the right side. Standard practice for caliper formulas is right-side measurement.
Double-check your age bracket. Using the wrong age equation will produce an incorrect result. The age brackets in the Durnin-Womersley method are not evenly spaced, so confirm which one applies before calculating.
How Durnin-Womersley Compares to Other Methods
| Method | Sites | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| JP 3-Site | 3 | Quick estimate, beginners, solo measurement |
| JP 4-Site | 4 | Same sites for both genders, good accuracy-to-effort ratio |
| JP 7-Site | 7 | Most comprehensive JP method |
| Durnin-Womersley (this article) | 4 | Broad age range (16-72), age-specific equations |
| Yuhasz | 6 | Athletes and highly fit individuals |
| Parillo | 9 | Most detailed caliper method |
Supporting Your Body Composition Goals
Tracking body fat with the Durnin-Womersley method gives you a consistent baseline to measure progress. Pairing that data with the right nutritional support can help you work toward your goals more effectively.
FitProbio+ features HOWARU Shape Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420, a probiotic strain shown to assist with healthy body composition by supporting gut barrier function and promoting less calorie consumption. Each capsule is delivered in DRcaps gastro-resistant capsules and sealed in nitrogen-purged blister packs for stability.
Conclusion
The Durnin-Womersley method stands out among caliper-based formulas for two reasons: its age-specific equations and its broad validation across ages 16-72. These features make it particularly well-suited for the general population, especially adults over 40 who may fall outside the typical demographic studied in other formulas.
Four measurement sites keep the process manageable, and the fact that those sites are the same for both genders simplifies things further. The one drawback is the subscapular site, which requires a partner to measure accurately. If that is a barrier, the US Navy tape-measure method requires no calipers at all, or the JP 4-site method avoids the subscapular site entirely.
FitProbio+
FitProbio+ features HOWARU Shape Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420, a probiotic strain shown to assist with healthy body composition by supporting gut barrier function and promoting less calorie consumption. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Delivered in DRcaps gastro-resistant capsules sealed in nitrogen-purged blister packs.
Shop FitProbio+
