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Army Body Fat Calculator

An Army Body Fat Calculator is a useful tool designed to estimate body fat percentage based on the standards set by the U.S. Army. It uses measurements such as height, weight, neck, waist, and in some cases hip size, to provide an accurate assessment of body composition.

  • Free
  • Instant results
  • Runs in your browser
In short

Since 2023 the U.S. Army uses a one-site tape test: men %BF = −26.97 − 0.12 × weight(lb) + 1.99 × abdomen(in); women %BF = −9.15 − 0.015 × weight(lb) + 1.27 × abdomen(in). Limits range from 20% to 26% for men and 30% to 36% for women, by age.

How it works

The US Army's ABCP standard estimates body fat from height and a single abdominal measurement (the “tape test”), taken after a soldier exceeds the weight-for-height screening table.

  1. Height is measured without shoes; the abdomen is measured at the navel, at the end of a normal breath out.
  2. The calculator applies the current one-site formula.
  3. The result is compared with the maximum allowed for your age group.
Maximum body fat allowed (AR 600-9)
AgeMenWomen
17–2020%30%
21–2722%32%
28–3924%34%
40+26%36%

Since 2023 a soldier who passes the ACFT with 540 points or more, with at least 80 in each event, is exempt from the tape test. Units may also use supplemental methods such as InBody scans. Check the current regulation — the standard has changed more than once.

Examples

How it is used:

  • Pass the height and weight screening table and no measurement is taken at all.
  • Exceed it, and the tape decides: under the limit for your age group is a pass.
  • Fail, and the soldier enters the Army Body Composition Program with monthly reassessment.

For the civilian version of the same tape method, see the body fat calculator.

Army Body Fat Calculator: frequently asked questions

What are the Army body fat standards?
Men: 20% (ages 17–20), 22% (21–27), 24% (28–39), 26% (40+). Women: 30%, 32%, 34% and 36% for the same age groups.
Where is the abdominal measurement taken?
Around the abdomen at the level of the navel, with the tape level and snug, at the end of a normal breath out.
Can a high ACFT score exempt me?
Yes. Soldiers scoring at least 540 on the ACFT with at least 80 points in each event are exempt from the body fat assessment.