Calculating Body Fat with the Yuhasz Body Fat Formula

The Yuhasz method is a six-site skinfold formula designed specifically for athletes and highly fit individuals. While most caliper-based body fat formulas were developed using general population samples, the Yuhasz method was calibrated for trained populations, making it a better fit for competitive athletes, serious recreational athletes, and individuals with lower-than-average body fat levels.

Skip to the calculator

The formula uses a simple linear equation that directly calculates body fat percentage from the sum of six skinfold measurements. There is no body density conversion step, no logarithms, and no age variable. Separate equations are provided for males and females.

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 Yuhasz method is best suited for athletes and highly fit individuals who want a body fat formula designed for their population. Most general-population formulas (like the Jackson-Pollock and Durnin-Womersley methods) tend to underestimate body fat in very lean individuals because their equations were not calibrated for that range. The Yuhasz method addresses this by using coefficients derived from athletic populations.

If you are of average build and not highly trained, the general-population formulas will likely produce more accurate results for you. Good starting points include the Jackson-Pollock 3-site method for simplicity, the JP 7-site method for accuracy, or Durnin-Womersley if you want age-specific equations.

Skinfold Measurement Locations (Males and Females)

All six measurement sites are the same for both males and females.

Site	Location	Fold Direction
Tricep	Halfway between the top of the shoulder and the elbow, on the back of the arm	Vertical
Subscapular	Approximately 2 cm below the lower tip of the 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	Diagonal (45°)
Abdomen	One inch to the right of the belly button	Vertical (preferred) or Horizontal
Thigh	Front of the quadriceps, halfway between the top of the knee and the fold at the top of the thigh. Skin here tends to be firmer; a consistent, firm pinch is important.	Vertical
Calf	The largest part of the calf, on the inside (medial side) of the leg	Vertical

Yuhasz Body Fat Formula for Males

Measure the following skinfolds in millimeters with body fat calipers: Tricep, Subscapular, Suprailiac, Abdomen, Thigh, and Calf.

Step	Formula
Body Fat %	(0.1051 x sum of skinfolds) + 2.585

Yuhasz Body Fat Formula for Females

Measure the following skinfolds in millimeters with body fat calipers: Tricep, Subscapular, Suprailiac, Abdomen, Thigh, and Calf.

Step	Formula
Body Fat %	(0.1548 x sum of skinfolds) + 3.580

Example Calculation

Here is a worked example for a male athlete with the following skinfold measurements:

Site	Measurement
Tricep	7 mm
Subscapular	9 mm
Suprailiac	8 mm
Abdomen	12 mm
Thigh	10 mm
Calf	6 mm
Sum of Skinfolds	52 mm

Calculate Body Fat Percentage (Male):

Body Fat % = (0.1051 x 52) + 2.585

Body Fat % = 5.4652 + 2.585

Body Fat % = 8.1%

This result is consistent with a lean, trained male athlete. For comparison, the same sum of skinfolds using the female equation would produce:

Body Fat % = (0.1548 x 52) + 3.580 = 8.0496 + 3.580 = 11.6%

The higher female result reflects the fact that women carry higher essential body fat levels. Both results fall within expected ranges for trained athletes.

Tips for Accurate Results

Measure before training, not after. Exercise temporarily increases blood flow to muscles, which can alter skinfold thickness. Take measurements before a workout or on a rest day for consistent readings.

Pay extra attention to the thigh site. Skin and fat in the quadriceps area tend to be firmer in athletes, making pinching more difficult and potentially leading to inconsistent readings. A firm, consistent pinch across sessions is important. If this site gives you variable results, take three measurements routinely and average the two closest.

Take two to three readings at each of the six sites. Average the results. With six sites, small measurement errors at each location compound in the final number.

Always measure from the right side of the body. Standard practice for all caliper-based formulas.

Have a partner take all measurements. The subscapular (upper back) and calf sites are very difficult to self-measure accurately. Consistency in who takes the measurements matters as much as consistency in technique.

Track monthly, not weekly. Body composition changes in athletes are often gradual, even during intense training blocks. Monthly measurements provide the most meaningful data for detecting real trends.

Compare against your own baseline. The Yuhasz formula's greatest value for athletes is in tracking personal trends over time. Comparing your results to generic body fat charts is less useful than comparing against your own historical measurements taken under consistent conditions.

How Yuhasz 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, general population
Durnin-Womersley	4	Broad age range (16-72), age-specific equations
Yuhasz (this article)	6	Athletes and highly fit individuals
Parillo	9	Most measurement sites, simplest formula

Supporting Your Body Composition Goals

The Yuhasz method gives athletes a sport-specific body fat baseline. Pairing that data with targeted nutritional support helps you act on what the numbers tell you.

FitFight contains key amino acids (5-HTP, DL-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine, L-Glutamine) alongside chromium to support the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters involved in appetite control and mood. Chromium is present to support healthy glucose metabolism and food intake regulation.

Conclusion

The Yuhasz method fills a gap that most caliper formulas leave open: a body fat equation designed for people who are already fit. Six measurement sites, a simple linear formula, and calibration for trained populations make it the go-to choice for athletes who want accurate, repeatable body fat tracking.

If you are not highly trained, the general-population formulas will serve you better. The JP 3-site method is the quickest option. The JP 7-site method offers the best accuracy for the general population. And if you want the most measurement sites possible, the Parillo method uses nine.