Durnin Womersley Formula Calculator

Enter the age, gender, and skinfold measurements into the calculator to determine the body fat percentage using the Durnin Womersley formula.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate only and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Results can vary with caliper type and measurement technique and may be less accurate for pregnancy, clinical decision-making, or ages outside the published equation ranges; if you have or suspect an eating disorder, avoid using body-composition tools without professional support. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified clinician or registered dietitian.

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Durnin Womersley Body Fat Formula

The Durnin–Womersley method first estimates body density (BD) from the log of the sum of four skinfolds using sex- and age-band–specific coefficients. Body density is then converted to body fat percentage using an equation such as the Siri equation.

Body Density (BD) = c - m \cdot \log_{10}(S)

Sex- and age-band equations (where S is the sum of the four skinfolds in mm):

• Males
  17–19: BD = 1.1620 − 0.0630·log₁₀(S)
  20–29: BD = 1.1631 − 0.0632·log₁₀(S)
  30–39: BD = 1.1422 − 0.0544·log₁₀(S)
  40–49: BD = 1.1620 − 0.0700·log₁₀(S)
  50+: BD = 1.1715 − 0.0779·log₁₀(S)
• Females
  16–19: BD = 1.1549 − 0.0678·log₁₀(S)
  20–29: BD = 1.1599 − 0.0717·log₁₀(S)
  30–39: BD = 1.1423 − 0.0632·log₁₀(S)
  40–49: BD = 1.1333 − 0.0612·log₁₀(S)
  50+: BD = 1.1339 − 0.0645·log₁₀(S)

Body Fat (\%) = \frac{495}{BD} - 450

Variables:

• BD is the body density (g/cm³)
• S is the sum of the tricep, bicep, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfolds in millimeters
• A is the age in years (used to select the correct sex/age equation)
• BF% is the body fat percentage

To calculate body fat percentage, first sum the skinfold measurements, then use the equation for the individual’s sex and age band to find body density. Finally, convert body density to body fat percentage (for example, using the Siri equation shown above).

Limitations & references

These equations are widely used, but results can vary by population and measurement technique (caliper placement, pinching consistency, and tester experience). For background and verification of the coefficients, look up the original Durnin & Womersley skinfold-equation publication and Siri’s body-density-to-body-fat equation in peer-reviewed sources or exercise-physiology textbooks.

What is the Durnin Womersley Method?

The Durnin Womersley method is a technique used to estimate body fat percentage based on skinfold measurements. It involves measuring the thickness of skinfolds at specific body sites and using these measurements to estimate body density, which can then be converted to body fat percentage. This method is named after the researchers J.V.G.A. Durnin and J. Womersley who developed the equations used in the calculations.

How to Calculate Body Fat Using the Durnin Womersley Method?

The following steps outline how to calculate body fat percentage using the Durnin Womersley method:

1. Measure the thickness of the tricep, bicep, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfolds in millimeters.
2. Sum these skinfold measurements to get S.
3. Determine the age of the individual in years (A).
4. Use the appropriate Durnin–Womersley equation for the individual’s sex and age band to calculate body density (BD).
5. Calculate the body fat percentage (BF%) from body density (for example, using the Siri equation).
6. Use the calculator above to verify your results.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Age (A) = 30 years

Gender = Male

Tricep Skinfold = 10 mm

Bicep Skinfold = 5 mm

Subscapular Skinfold = 15 mm

Suprailiac Skinfold = 20 mm

Sum of skinfolds: S = 10 + 5 + 15 + 20 = 50 mm

For a 30-year-old male (30–39): BD = 1.1422 − 0.0544·log₁₀(50) ≈ 1.0498 g/cm³

Body Fat % (Siri): BF% = 495/1.0498 − 450 ≈ 21.6%