Army Body Fat Calculator
Estimate body fat percentage based on U.S. Army AR 600-9 standards.
Army Body Fat Assessment
0.0%
Estimated Body Fat
Fat Mass: 0.0 kg
Lean Body Mass: 0.0 kg
Army Standard (Age ): Max 0%
About Army Body Fat Standards (AR 600-9)
The U.S. Army uses body fat percentage as a key component of its Army Body Composition Program (ABCP), outlined in Army Regulation 600-9. The program's goal is to ensure Soldiers maintain an optimal level of physical readiness and health.
Soldiers are first screened by weight-for-height tables. If they exceed the screening table weight, they are then assessed for body fat percentage using the circumference-based tape method. This calculator uses formulas commonly derived from these tape test procedures.
Maximum Allowable Body Fat Percentage:
The maximum allowable body fat percentages are based on age and gender:
| Age Group | Male Max BF% | Female Max BF% |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21-27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28-39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
Note: These standards are subject to change. Always refer to the latest official AR 600-9 publication for current requirements.
How to Take Measurements (Army Method)
Accurate and consistent measurements are critical for the Army body fat assessment. Measurements should be taken three times and averaged. If any measurement differs by more than one inch from the others, take an additional measurement and average the two closest.
- Height: Measured without shoes, standing on a flat surface with heels, buttocks, shoulders, and head touching a wall. Height is rounded to the nearest half-inch.
- Weight: Measured in standard PT uniform (shorts and t-shirt, without shoes), and rounded to the nearest pound.
- Neck: Measure circumference just below the larynx (Adam's apple) and perpendicular to the long axis of the neck. Do not place tape over the larynx. Round up to the nearest half-inch (or 0.1 cm if using metric).
- Waist (Abdomen):
- Men: Measure at the level of the navel.
- Women: Measure at the point of minimal abdominal circumference (narrowest part).
- Hip (Females Only): Measure at the point of maximum protrusion of the gluteal muscles (buttocks), viewed from the side. Ensure the tape is level. Round down to the nearest half-inch (or 0.1 cm).
It is recommended to have measurements taken by trained personnel to ensure accuracy and consistency according to AR 600-9 procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How accurate are these formulas compared to the official Army tape test?
The formulas used in this calculator (Hodgdon and Beckett, with Army-specific constants if applicable) are regression equations designed to estimate the results of the tape test. The official Army method involves specific procedures for taking measurements and then using lookup tables in AR 600-9. This calculator provides a close estimate, but official assessments are always done by trained personnel using the regulation's tables.
What happens if a Soldier exceeds the body fat standard?
Soldiers exceeding the body fat standard are flagged and enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). They are required to meet with a dietitian, develop a weight loss plan, and show progress. Failure to meet standards can have career implications.
Why does the Army use body fat percentage instead of just weight or BMI?
Body fat percentage is considered a more accurate indicator of physical readiness and health risk than weight or BMI alone, as it distinguishes between fat mass and lean mass. This is important because muscle weighs more than fat, so a very muscular Soldier might exceed weight-for-height standards but still have a healthy body fat percentage.