The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of three recommended anthropometric equations for women and then develop an updated prediction equation using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The percentage of body fat (%BF) by anthropometry was significantly correlated (r = .896-. 929; p [is less than] .01) with DXA, but each equation underestimated %BF (3.2-5.6 %BF; p <. 01). The following DXA criterion (DC) equation was created: %BF= -6.40665 + 0.41946($3SF) - 0. 00126[(S38F).sup.2] + 0. 12515(hip) + 0.06473 (age); (S3SF= sum of triceps, suprailiac, thigh; hip = circumference in cm; age =years). The predicted residual sum of squares (PRESS) [R.sup.2] was high (0.86), and the PRESS standard error of estimate (SEE) was low (2.5 % BF) for our sample of 150 women. The DC equation was further crosschecked on a separate sample of women (n = 25) and again showed excellent agreement. The DC equation appears to be a more accurate estimation of %BF in women.