The purpose of this study was to develop and cross-validate anthropometric equations for the estimation of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) in Chinese adults. A total of 763 adults aged 18-69 years (345 men and 418 women) were recruited from residents living in four regions (Jinan, Guangzhou, Xi'an and Chengdu) in China. ASM were measured by fan-beam dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Participants' body weight, height, limb circumferences (upper arm, thigh, and calf), waist circumference, and skinfold thicknesses (triceps, thigh, and calf) were measured by trained testers. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a model-development group (MD group) and a cross-validation group (CV group). Prediction models were established using the data from the MD group, and cross-validated with the data of the CV group. The results suggested that the developed equations had satisfactory prediction qualities, and could be applied as a practical method of quantifying ASM in Chinese adults.