🎖️ Fitness Tool
Army Body Fat Calculator
Calculate your body fat percentage using the official U.S. Army tape test method (AR 600-9). Check if you meet Army body composition standards.
Army Body Fat Calculator (AR 600-9)
Body Fat Percentage
--%
| Age Group | Male Max % | Female Max % |
|---|---|---|
| 17–20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21–27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28–39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
About the U.S. Army Body Fat Standard
The U.S. Army uses the AR 600-9 regulation for body composition assessments. Soldiers who fail the initial height/weight screening must pass a tape test to verify they meet body fat percentage standards.
Male: %BF = 86.010×log10(waist−neck) − 70.041×log10(height) + 36.76
Female: %BF = 163.205×log10(waist+hip−neck) − 97.684×log10(height) − 78.387
All measurements in inches.
Female: %BF = 163.205×log10(waist+hip−neck) − 97.684×log10(height) − 78.387
All measurements in inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Army body fat standards?
Army body fat limits vary by age and gender. For males aged 17–20 the limit is 20%; 21–27 is 22%; 28–39 is 24%; 40+ is 26%. For females: 30%, 32%, 34%, and 36% respectively.
Is the Army tape test accurate?
The Army tape test has an accuracy of approximately ±3–4% compared to reference methods like DEXA or hydrostatic weighing. It is designed to be a field-expedient screening tool, not a precise measurement.
What happens if you fail the Army tape test?
Soldiers who fail the tape test are enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) and given 6 months to reach standards. Continued failure can result in administrative separation from service.