Army Body Fat Calculator (AR 600-9 Official Method)

How to Use Our Army Body Fat Calculator

To get an accurate result, you must take your measurements correctly. Use a flexible, non-stretchable measuring tape (like a self-retracting tape measure). For best results, take each measurement three times and use the average.

• Gender: Select Male or Female. The calculation formula is different for each gender.

• Age: Enter your current age in years. The allowable body fat percentage varies by age group.

• Height: Enter your height in inches. If you know your height in feet and inches, convert it to total inches first (e.g., 5’10” is 70 inches). Height is measured without shoes.

• Neck Circumference: Measure around your neck at a point just below the larynx (Adam’s apple). Keep the tape level and do not pull it tight. Round this measurement up to the nearest half-inch.

• Waist Circumference:

  • For Males: Measure the circumference at the level of your navel (belly button).

  • For Females: Measure the circumference at the narrowest point of your waist, typically midway between your navel and the bottom of your sternum.

  • Ensure the tape is level and parallel to the floor. Take the measurement at the end of a normal, relaxed exhalation. Round this measurement down to the nearest half-inch.

• Hip Circumference (Females Only): This measurement is only required for females. Measure the circumference at the widest point of your hips or buttocks, where they protrude the most. Keep your feet together and ensure the tape is level all the way around. Round this measurement down to the nearest half-inch.

Understanding Your Results

The final number you see is your estimated body fat percentage according to Army standards. This percentage is compared against the maximum allowable limit for your specific age group and gender to determine if you are in compliance with the Army Body Fat Control Program (ABCP).

Below is the official table from Army Regulation 600-9, showing the maximum allowable body fat percentage.

Army Body Fat Percentage Standards (AR 600-9)

What do these results mean?

• If your percentage is AT or BELOW the maximum: You are considered in compliance with the Army’s body composition standards.

• If your percentage is ABOVE the maximum: You do not meet the standard. In the Army, this would result in being “flagged” and enrolled in the ABCP. You would be required to meet with a dietitian, develop a fitness plan, and would be monitored monthly until you meet the standard. Failure to make satisfactory progress can result in administrative action, including potential separation from the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the Army “tape test” method?

The Army’s circumference-based method, often called the “tape test,” is designed to be a practical and cost-effective way to estimate body fat for a large population. While it is the official standard for the Army, it is not as precise as clinical methods like hydrostatic (underwater) weighing or DEXA scans. The tape test can sometimes be less accurate for individuals with unique body types, such as those who are exceptionally muscular. However, for most people, it provides a reliable estimate for the purposes of the ABCP when measurements are taken correctly.

What is the formula used in this calculator?

The calculator uses the official formulas from AR 600-9. The inputs (height, neck, waist, and hip circumferences) are used to calculate a “circumference value.” This value is then used with your height to determine the final body fat percentage.

Male Body Fat % Formula:

Female Body Fat % Formula:

Note: All measurements are in inches.

What happens if a Soldier fails the body fat test?

If a Soldier exceeds the body fat standard, they are formally enrolled in the Army Body Fat Control Program (ABCP). The process is as follows:

1. Flagging Action: The Soldier is “flagged,” which suspends favorable personnel actions (e.g., promotions, awards, attending military schools).

2. Counseling & Education: The Soldier receives counseling from their command and must see a dietitian or healthcare provider for nutrition education within 30 days.

3. Monthly Monitoring: The Soldier is weighed and taped monthly to monitor progress. The expectation is to lose 3-8 pounds or 1% body fat per month.

4. Consequences: Failure to make satisfactory progress over time can lead to a bar to continued service or the initiation of separation proceedings from the Army.

How can I improve my body fat percentage for the test?

Improving your body fat percentage involves two main components: nutrition and exercise.

• Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet with a slight caloric deficit. Prioritize lean proteins (chicken, fish, beans), complex carbohydrates (oats, brown rice), and healthy fats (avocado, nuts). Reduce or eliminate processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol.

• Exercise: Combine strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Strength training (lifting weights, bodyweight exercises) builds muscle mass, which increases your metabolism. Cardiovascular exercise (running, rucking, swimming) helps burn calories. Focus on consistency.

• Measurement Tip: Since the calculation for males heavily relies on the waist-to-neck ratio, exercises that strengthen the neck and reduce abdominal fat can be particularly effective.

Concrete Example

Let’s say a 25-year-old male is 72 inches tall, has a 16-inch neck, and a 39-inch waist. His max allowed body fat is 22%.

Using the formula:

• Waist – Neck = $39-16=23$ inches

• log10(23)≈1.3617

• log10(72)≈1.8573

• $\%\text{Body Fat}=(86.010\times 1.3617)-(70.041\times 1.8573)+36.76$

• $\%\text{Body Fat}\approx 117.12-130.09+36.76\approx 23.79\%$

This Soldier would be approximately 23.8% body fat, which is over the 22% limit for his age group. He would be flagged and entered into the ABCP.

Why are hip measurements required for females but not for males?

Body fat distribution differs significantly between genders due to hormonal and genetic factors. Females naturally store more fat in the hips, thighs, and gluteal region (gynoid or “pear-shaped” fat distribution). Males tend to store more fat in the abdominal area (android or “apple-shaped” fat distribution). The inclusion of the hip measurement for females creates a more accurate anthropometric estimate that accounts for this physiological difference, preventing women with wider hips from being unfairly assessed.

Are these standards the same for the Navy, Air Force, and Marines?

No, each branch of the U.S. military sets its own body composition standards and uses a slightly different calculation method. While all use a circumference-based “tape test,” the specific measurement sites and formulas vary. For example, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps use different formulas and have different allowable percentages. Always use the calculator specific to the branch you are concerned with.

Next Steps:

Now that you have your Army body fat estimate, see how it compares to other military branches with our U.S. Navy Body Fat Calculator. If you are more interested in general health metrics, check your Body Mass Index with our simple BMI Calculator.