Army Body Fat Calculator
Check your body fat against the US Army standard using the tape test: enter height, neck, waist (and hips for women) and age to see your body fat percentage and whether you are within the maximum for your age group. Example: a 28-year-old man 70 in tall with a 15 in neck and 34 in waist has about 17.5% body fat, well within the 24% limit for ages 28 to 39.
Show steps
How to use the Army Body Fat Calculator
- Enter the values in the fields.
- Press Calculate to see the result with the steps shown.
Formula and method
Uses the same circumference formula as the Navy method. Compare the result with the age-based maximum body fat standard (men 20 / 22 / 24 / 26% and women 30 / 32 / 34 / 36% for ages 17 to 20, 21 to 27, 28 to 39 and 40+).
Army body fat standards by age
| Age group | Men maximum | Women maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 17 to 20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21 to 27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28 to 39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40 and older | 26% | 36% |
How the Army tape test is taken
Measurements are taken at specific sites by a trained soldier. Height is measured to the nearest half inch, and circumference sites are taken three times with the average used. Neck is measured below the larynx, waist at the navel for men and at the narrowest point for women, and hips at the widest point.
If you fail the tape test
Soldiers who exceed the standard enter a body composition program with a plan and follow-up measurements. Check current Army regulation and your command for details.
Tips to measure accurately
Use a flexible non-stretch tape, keep it snug but not tight, stand relaxed and exhale normally. Measure the same way each time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Army body fat standard?
Maximum 20 to 26% for men and 30 to 36% for women depending on age.
How is Army body fat calculated?
From height, neck and waist (plus hips for women) with a logarithmic formula.
Is this the official calculation?
It uses the same published formula, but only an official tape test counts.
What happens if I exceed the standard?
You may be enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program.
Does the Army use BMI?
Current rules use a body composition assessment based on tape and, in some cases, other measurements; confirm with your command.
How can I lower body fat safely?
Aim for a modest calorie deficit and regular training, and avoid crash diets.
Sources
- U.S. Army: AR 600-9 The Army Body Composition Program
- Hodgdon and Beckett, Naval Health Research Center, 1984
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