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Research
Jackson & Pollock Methods
Research and measurement sites for the Jackson & Pollock 7-site, 4-site and 3-site skinfold methods.
3 sources
What the evidence says
Measurement Notes
Use consistent measurement technique
Protocol choice
Men and women use the same four sites in the 4-site protocol.
The 3-site protocol uses fewer skinfold measurements.
Interpreting Results
A Jackson & Pollock estimate is not a standalone health risk assessment.
Historical Development
Original Research (1978-1980)
Researchers developed generalized body density equations:
- Jackson and Pollock (1978) developed equations for adult men.
- Jackson, Pollock and Ward (1980) developed equations for adult women.
- Both studies used hydrostatic weighing as the reference method.
These studies do not establish accuracy for every population.
Protocols in the Cited Papers
The papers cover these skinfold protocols:
- The 1978 men’s paper includes both 7-site and 3-site equations.
- The 1980 women’s paper examines sums of three, four and seven skinfolds.
- The 1985 article reviews practical body-composition assessment.
Protocol Details
Use skinfold calipers and record measurements in millimetres. Each protocol also requires age.
7-Site Protocol
Measurement Sites
- Chest
- Midaxillary
- Triceps
- Subscapular
- Abdomen
- Suprailiac
- Thigh
Measurement Notes
- Uses seven skinfold sites
- Use consistent measurement technique
4-Site Protocol
Measurement Sites
- Abdomen
- Triceps
- Suprailiac
- Thigh
Measurement Notes
- Men and women use the same four sites
- Use consistent measurement technique
3-Site Protocol
Measurement Sites
- Chest (men) / Triceps (women)
- Abdomen (men) / Suprailiac (women)
- Thigh (both)
Measurement Notes
- A shorter protocol for field use
- Use consistent measurement technique
What this means for your measurement
Interpreting Results
A Jackson & Pollock estimate is not a standalone health risk assessment.