A realistic method of calculating the eigenperiod of Pc 3 pulsations at low latitudes is discussed. Solution of the problem requires a magnetic field model and a model for the plasma distribution along the resonating field line. The calculated eigenperiods obtained using the dipole field model and the IGRF model are found to be similar. The inclusion of the F region O+ in the plasma distribution noticeably affects the calculated eigenperiod at low latitudes. This effect decreases with increasing L value. Pulsation periods obtained from recordings made at four stations lying on a geomagnetic meridian demonstrate the importance of including O+ in the plasma model if realistic periods are to be calculated at low latitudes. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1987