Dr. David Holmes, a psychology lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University in England, has come up with a mathematical equation that "adds up to the perfect posterior."

The magical figures are (S+C) x (B+F)/T = V. Though the equation looks rather complicated, it is, according to the scientist, simple.

It assesses shape, bounce, firmness and symmetry – all factors that add up to the bottom line.

S is the overall shape or droopiness of the bottom, C represents how spherical the buttocks are, B measures muscular wobble or bounce, while F records the firmness.

V is the hip to waist ratio, or symmetry of the bottom, and T measures the skin texture and presence of cellulite.

That's all well and good, but without some frame of reference, a numerical value doesn't have much meaning. To that end, Dr. Holmes offers some examples:

Kylie Minogue, whose celebrated bottom relaunched her career with the help of a pair of hotpants, would almost certainly score a perfect 80.

"Kylie would score amazingly well on sphericality and symmetry. Her bottom is pretty much perfect in these areas, more so than the likes of Charlotte Church or Jennifer Lopez, who have more curvy posteriors," he said.

OK, I can now wholeheartedly endorse this formula (Kylie Minogue is teh hawt!). ;-)