AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of the most commonly used anthropometric-based equations in the estimation of percentage body fat (%BF) in both normal-weight and overweight women using air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) as the criterion measure.DesignA comparative study in which the equations of Durnin and Womersley (1974; DW) and Jackson, Pollock and Ward (1980) at three, four and seven sites (JPW₃, JPW₄ and JPW₇) were validated against ADP in three groups. Group 1 included all participants, group 2 included participants with a BMI<25·0 kg/m² and group 3 included participants with a BMI≥25·0 kg/m².SettingHuman Performance Laboratory, Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland.SubjectsForty-three female participants aged between 18 and 55 years.ResultsIn all three groups, the %BF values estimated from the DW equation were closer to the criterion measure (i.e. ADP) than those estimated from the other equations. Of the three JPW equations, JPW₃ provided the most accurate estimation of %BF when compared with ADP in all three groups.ConclusionIn comparison to ADP, these findings suggest that the DW equation is the most accurate anthropometric method for the estimation of %BF in both normal-weight and overweight females.