Army Body Fat Calculator
Result
There are several ways to measure a person’s body fat, and one reliable method was developed by the U.S. Army. This technique provides an accurate estimate of body fat and is used by all military personnel, as meeting the Army’s body fat percentage (%BF) standards is mandatory.
What Measurements are Required?
According to U.S. Army Regulation 600-9, use a tape measure made of a non-stretch material, ideally fiberglass. Take all circumference measurements horizontally:
Height – Stand up straight without shoes.
Neck – Wrap the tape measure around the base of the clavicle (Adam’s apple).
Waist – For men, measure at the navel; for women, measure around the narrowest part of the abdomen.
Hips – This applies to women only; measure at the widest point of the hips or buttocks.
You can record values in metric or imperial units. Once you have these measurements, you can accurately determine your body shape.
Body Fat Calculation – U.S. Army Method
There are various ways to estimate and calculate body fat, as outlined in our calculators for body fat percentage and fat-free body mass (sometimes confused with lean body mass). This calculator specifically applies the U.S. Army method, which the Department of Defense [1][2] uses to evaluate applicants for military enlistment and to evaluate current personnel. Officially, it is known as the “Army Body Fat Circumference-Based Tape Assessment”.
New Army Tape Test
Following the Army Comprehensive Body Composition (ACBC) study, which evaluated the effectiveness of the previous tape test on more than 2,690 soldiers [4], the Army introduced a new tape test in June 2023. The updated Army Body Fat Circumference-Based Tape Test and Supplemental Body Fat Assessment now rely on single-site measurements instead of the previous multi-site method. It only requires abdominal and body weight measurements, unlike the previous version, which included three measurements (height, neck, waist, and hips for women).
U.S. Army Body Fat Formula
This section explains the old tape test used prior to mid-2023. For details on the new tape test, see the section above.
Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. Army does not calculate body fat percentage using BMI. Instead, it uses a correlation between specific body circumference measurements relative to height.
To accurately use this Army Body Fat Calculator with the old multiple-site tape test, it helps someone measure. This ensures accuracy according to medical fitness standards [3]. Use a flexible tape measure to measure the neck at its narrowest point (around the Adam’s apple), the waist at its narrowest point (at the belly button), and the hips at their widest point. You can measure in inches/feet or centimeters, depending on your preference.
Tips for Losing Body Fat
What should you do if you’ve checked your stats with our Army Height and Weight Calculator and the results don’t meet the 2025 DoD standards? Or if you want to improve them, where do you start? Here are some practical tips to help you lose body fat and reach your goals.
First, focus on reducing the calories you consume through your diet. Use our calorie calculator to figure out what goal you need to reach. Staying consistent and motivated is essential, and the support of friends or family can make a big difference.
Second, adjust the macronutrient balance of your diet: the amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat you eat. Our macronutrient calculator can guide you in making the appropriate adjustments.
Third, engage in regular exercise, especially resistance training. As Ketch et al. [2] shows that consistent workouts allow you to eat more while weighing less and reducing your body fat. Committing to exercise can help you stay lean, even as age increases your weight.
US Army Body Fat Percentage Standards
The body fat percentage requirements for active duty military personnel in the US Army are outlined in Regulation 600-9:
Ages 17 to 20 – 20% for males, 30% for females;
Ages 21 to 27 – 22% for males, 32% for females;
Ages 28 to 39 – 24% for males, 34% for females;
Ages 40 to 26% for males, 36% for females.
The body fat percentage limits for individuals seeking to join the US Army are listed in Regulation 40-501:
Ages 17 to 20 – 24% for males, 30% for females;
Ages 21 to 27 – 26% for males, 32% for females;
Ages 28 to 39 – 28% for males, 34% for females;
Age 40 and up – 30% for men, 36% for women.
You can also quickly check whether you meet the Army’s body fat percentage standards by using our US Army Body Fat Calculator.
FAQs
Q1. What is the maximum allowable body fat percentage?
The maximum body fat limit varies by gender and age. For example, men aged 28-39 can have up to 24% body fat, while women over 40 can have a maximum of 36%.
Q2. How does the Army calculate body fat?
The U.S. Army uses a standardized method that combines height and weight with specific body circumference measurements to estimate body fat. This method provides a more accurate assessment than the traditional body mass index (BMI), which can sometimes misrepresent muscular individuals.
Q3. What is the best way to measure body fat?
A DEXA scan provides the most accurate way to measure body fat, using low-level X-rays to separate fat, muscle, and bone. For practical and reliable at-home measurements, skinfold callipers work well when used correctly. Other accurate techniques include hydrostatic weighing and air displacement (body pod). Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) scales are less accurate but are readily available.
Q4. What happens if you are fat in the Army?
Soldiers who exceed the Army’s body-fat standards join a program where they receive exercise plans from a master fitness trainer and personalized advice from a registered dietitian or healthcare provider.
