Loading page...
Loading page...
Estimate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Army's calculation method, which relies on circumference measurements.
Enter your measurements according to the U.S. Army guidelines.
17.5%
Average
Everything you need to know
The U.S. Army Body Fat Calculator implements the official tape test method used to assess body composition when a service member's weight and height (BMI) don't meet screening table standards. This method is standardized across all branches of the U.S. military and is critical for maintaining combat readiness and health.
Our calculator uses the exact formulas from AR 600-9 (The Army Body Composition Program) to provide accurate body fat estimates based on simple circumference measurements.
Maximum allowable body fat percentages by age and gender:
| Age Group | Men (Max %) | Women (Max %) |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21-27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28-39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
Note: These are maximums. Lower body fat percentages are generally associated with better physical performance.
Men:
Women:
Men's Body Fat %: % = 86.010 × log₁₀(abdomen - neck) - 70.041 × log₁₀(height) + 36.76
Women's Body Fat %: % = 163.205 × log₁₀(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 × log₁₀(height) - 78.387
(All measurements in inches; height in inches)
Measurements:
Calculation: % = 86.010 × log₁₀(34 - 16) - 70.041 × log₁₀(70) + 36.76 % = 86.010 × log₁₀(18) - 70.041 × log₁₀(70) + 36.76 % = 86.010 × 1.255 - 70.041 × 1.845 + 36.76 % = 107.94 - 129.23 + 36.76 Body Fat = 15.47%
Result: Passes standard for all age groups (max 20-26%)
Measurements:
Calculation: % = 163.205 × log₁₀(28 + 38 - 13) - 97.684 × log₁₀(65) - 78.387 % = 163.205 × log₁₀(53) - 97.684 × log₁₀(65) - 78.387 % = 163.205 × 1.724 - 97.684 × 1.813 - 78.387 % = 281.37 - 177.10 - 78.387 Body Fat = 25.88%
Result: Passes standard for ages 17-20 (max 30%), passes for all age groups
For accurate results:
Neck: Measure at the narrowest point, usually just below the Adam's apple (men) or mid-neck (women).
Waist (Men): Measure at the navel level, across the belly button, with arms relaxed.
Waist (Women): Measure at the natural waist, the narrowest part of the torso, typically above the belly button.
Hip (Women): Measure at the widest part of the buttocks/hip area.
If you're close to the body fat limit, here are safe, effective strategies:
The Army tape test correlates well with underwater weighing but has limitations:
Soldiers who exceed body fat standards enter the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP), which includes counseling, a nutrition program, and a timeline to meet standards.
Typically every 6 months during the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) or Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), or when a soldier appears to exceed screening weight.
Yes. If you believe your result doesn't accurately reflect your body composition due to muscle mass, you can request a more accurate method (hydrostatic weighing, DEXA, or Bod Pod) at your own expense.
Yes. The Army and Navy use different measurement points and formulas. The Army measures waist at the navel for men and natural waist for women, while the Navy uses abdomen at the navel for both.
No. Each branch has its own standards: