Calculate your status according to the United States Marine Corps Body Composition Program (BCP) standards (MCO 6110.3A). Verify compliance with weight limits and body fat percentage.
Male
Female
Standards differ significantly by gender.
Age determines your allowable Body Fat Percentage limit.
Please enter a valid age (17-65).
Height measured without shoes.
Please enter a valid height (50-90 inches).
Weight measured in PT gear without shoes.
Please enter a valid weight.
Body Fat Measurements (Tape Test)
Required if weight exceeds maximum allowance.
Measured just below the larynx (Adam's apple).
Measured at the navel for men, narrowest point for women.
Measured at the widest portion of the buttocks (Females only).
Overall Compliance Status
CALCULATING…
Processing inputs…
Max Allowed Weight
— lbs
Estimated Body Fat %
–%
Max Allowed Body Fat
–%
Detailed Breakdown
Metric
Your Value
Standard Limit
Status
*Note: If weight is below the maximum allowed, Body Fat % is not officially scored against you, though it is calculated here for reference.
Body Composition Visualization
Comparison of your current stats vs. USMC Maximums
What is the USMC Height and Weight Calculator?
The usmc height and weight calculator is a critical tool for United States Marines to verify their compliance with the Marine Corps Body Composition Program (BCP) as outlined in MCO 6110.3A. Maintaining physical readiness is a hallmark of the Corps, and these standards ensure that every Marine maintains a healthy weight and body composition suitable for the rigors of combat and service.
This calculator determines if a Marine meets the "screening weight" for their height. If a Marine exceeds this weight, the calculator uses the "tape test" method (circumference measurements) to estimate Body Fat Percentage (BF%). Meeting either the weight standard OR the body fat standard constitutes a "Pass."
Who Should Use This Calculator?
Active Duty & Reserve Marines: To check compliance prior to official weigh-ins or PFT/CFT seasons.
Recruits and Poolees: To ensure they meet entry standards before shipping to boot camp.
Unit Leaders: To quickly assess squad or platoon readiness statistics.
USMC Height and Weight Calculator Formula
The Marine Corps uses a two-step process. First, weight is screened against height. If the Marine is heavier than the maximum allowance, body fat is calculated using the Department of Defense (DoD) circumference method.
1. Weight Screening
Maximum weight limits are derived from a Body Mass Index (BMI) cap (typically around 25-27.5 depending on height approximations used in military tables). There is no specific formula for the table itself, but it follows a linear progression based on height in inches.
2. Body Fat Calculation (The "Tape Test")
If weight is exceeded, Body Fat % is calculated using these logarithmic formulas:
Several variables influence your standing on the usmc height and weight calculator:
Age Group: As Marines age, the allowable Body Fat percentage increases. A 19% body fat might fail a 20-year-old but pass a 40-year-old.
Muscle Mass vs. Fat: The weight scale cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. Heavily muscled Marines often fail the weight screen but pass the tape test easily due to large neck measurements relative to their waist.
Hydration Status: Severe dehydration can temporarily lower weight measurements but is dangerous and against regulations. Conversely, water retention can inflate waist measurements.
Measurement Error: A difference of 0.5 inches on a neck or waist measurement can swing the Body Fat result by 1-2%. Correct taping technique is vital.
PFT/CFT Performance: Recent policy updates (MCO 6110.3A Change 1) allow Marines scoring 285+ on both PFT and CFT to be exempt from weight/BF limits, provided they do not present an unmilitary appearance.
Post-Partum Status: Female Marines have specific exemption periods following pregnancy, which this calculator does not account for (consult a medical officer).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the max body fat for USMC?
It depends on age. For males: 17-20 (18%), 21-25 (18%), 26-30 (19%), 31-35 (19%), 36-40 (20%), 41+ (21%). For females: 17-20 (26%), 21-25 (26%), 26-30 (27%), 31-35 (27%), 36-40 (28%), 41+ (29%).
Does the USMC still tape the neck?
Yes. The neck measurement is a crucial part of the "rope and choke" method. A larger neck (indicating muscle) helps lower the calculated body fat percentage.
What happens if you fail height and weight in the Marines?
If you fail both the weight screen and the tape test, you will be assigned to the Body Composition Program (BCP). This can result in adverse fitness reports, loss of promotion eligibility, and eventually administrative separation if standards are not met.
Is there a waiver for high PFT/CFT scores?
Yes. Marines who score 285 or higher on both the PFT and CFT are exempt from maximum weight and body fat limits, provided their appearance is compatible with military standards.
How accurate is the USMC calculator compared to DEXA scans?
The tape test is an estimation and has a margin of error. It typically underestimates body fat in lean individuals and overestimates in those with loose skin. However, it is the only official administrative method.
How often are Marines weighed?
Marines are weighed semi-annually, typically coinciding with the PFT (Physical Fitness Test) and CFT (Combat Fitness Test) seasons.
Can I suck in my stomach during the tape test?
No. Measurements are taken at the end of a normal expiration (breathing out). "Sucking it in" is not permitted and monitors are trained to watch for this.
Does this calculator work for new recruits?
Yes, but initial entry standards (shipping weight) are often stricter than the retention standards used for active duty Marines shown here.