Determine your compliance with U.S. Army height and weight standards.
Army Weight Standards Calculator
Enter height in inches (e.g., 5'8″ = 68 inches).
Enter weight in pounds (lbs).
Male
Female
Select the gender for accurate standard comparison.
Enter age in years.
Your Results
StatusEnter details above
Allowed Weight Range—
Height Category—
Deviation from Max—
How it works: This calculator compares your entered height, weight, gender, and age against the official U.S. Army height and weight standards (AR 600-9). It determines if you fall within the acceptable weight range for your height and provides details on your status.
Army Weight Standards Table
Official U.S. Army Height and Weight Standards (AR 600-9)
Height (Inches)
Male Weight (lbs)
Female Weight (lbs)
Min
Max
Min
Max
60
107
145
102
138
61
110
149
105
142
62
113
153
108
146
63
116
157
111
150
64
119
161
114
154
65
122
165
117
158
66
125
170
120
163
67
128
174
123
167
68
131
178
126
171
69
134
182
129
175
70
137
187
132
180
71
140
191
135
184
72
143
195
138
188
73
146
200
141
193
74
149
204
144
197
75
152
208
147
201
76
155
213
150
206
Weight Standards Compliance Chart
Your Weight Max Allowed Weight Min Allowed Weight
The U.S. Army maintains strict physical standards to ensure soldiers are fit for duty. A critical component of these standards is the Army weight table, officially governed by Army Regulation 600-9. This regulation outlines the maximum allowable weight for soldiers based on their height, gender, and age. Understanding these requirements is crucial for both aspiring recruits and current service members. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Army weight table, how to use our calculator, and factors influencing compliance.
What is the Army Weight Table?
The Army weight table is a standardized chart that specifies the maximum permissible weight for soldiers at various heights. It serves as a primary screening tool to ensure personnel meet the minimum physical requirements for military service. The table is designed to maintain a baseline level of physical fitness and readiness across the force.
Who should use it?
Prospective Recruits: Individuals considering enlistment in the U.S. Army.
Current Service Members: Soldiers needing to monitor their weight to remain compliant with regulations.
Army Recruiters: Professionals who use the table to assess potential candidates.
Common Misconceptions:
It's just about being thin: The table focuses on a healthy weight range, not extreme thinness. It accounts for muscle mass and body composition to a degree.
It's the only standard: While important, weight is one part of a larger physical fitness assessment that includes the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) or Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
Standards are static: The Army periodically reviews and updates its regulations, including weight standards, to reflect current operational needs and health research.
Army Weight Table Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The Army weight table itself is not based on a single complex formula but rather on established medical guidelines and operational requirements. However, we can derive the *acceptable weight range* and *deviation* using the data presented in the official tables. The core idea is to find where an individual's weight falls relative to the minimum and maximum allowed for their specific height and gender.
Step-by-step derivation of key metrics:
Identify Height Category: Find the row in the Army weight table that matches the soldier's height in inches.
Determine Gender-Specific Range: Locate the minimum and maximum weight values for the soldier's gender within that height row. This is the "Allowed Weight Range".
Calculate Deviation:
If the soldier's weight is above the maximum: Deviation = Soldier's Weight – Maximum Allowed Weight.
If the soldier's weight is below the minimum: Deviation = Soldier's Weight – Minimum Allowed Weight.
If the soldier's weight is within the range: Deviation = 0 (or indicate "Within Range").
Determine Status:
If Soldier's Weight is within the Min/Max range: "Compliant".
If Soldier's Weight is above the Max: "Overweight".
If Soldier's Weight is below the Min: "Underweight".
Variable Explanations:
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Height
The vertical measurement of the soldier.
Inches (in)
60 – 76 inches (5'0″ – 6'4″)
Weight
The soldier's body mass.
Pounds (lbs)
50 – 250+ lbs
Gender
Biological sex used for standard comparison.
Categorical (Male/Female)
Male, Female
Age
Soldier's age in years. (Note: AR 600-9 primarily uses height/gender, but age can be a factor in specific profiles or waivers).
Years
17 – 60+ years
Allowed Weight Range
The minimum and maximum weight considered acceptable for a given height and gender.
Pounds (lbs)
Varies based on height/gender
Deviation from Max/Min
The difference between the soldier's weight and the closest boundary (max or min) of the allowed range.
Pounds (lbs)
Positive (over), Negative (under), or Zero (within)
Scenario: A male soldier is 70 inches tall and weighs 170 lbs. His age is 22.
Inputs:
Height: 70 inches
Weight: 170 lbs
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Calculation:
Looking at the table for 70 inches (Male): Min Weight = 137 lbs, Max Weight = 187 lbs.
The soldier's weight (170 lbs) falls within this range (137-187 lbs).
Outputs:
Status: Compliant
Allowed Weight Range: 137 – 187 lbs
Height Category: 70 inches
Deviation from Max/Min: Within Range (or 0 lbs)
Interpretation: This soldier meets the Army's height and weight standards based on the provided data.
Example 2: Overweight Soldier
Scenario: A female soldier is 64 inches tall and weighs 160 lbs. Her age is 30.
Inputs:
Height: 64 inches
Weight: 160 lbs
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Calculation:
Looking at the table for 64 inches (Female): Min Weight = 114 lbs, Max Weight = 154 lbs.
The soldier's weight (160 lbs) is above the maximum allowed weight (154 lbs).
Deviation = 160 lbs – 154 lbs = 6 lbs.
Outputs:
Status: Overweight
Allowed Weight Range: 114 – 154 lbs
Height Category: 64 inches
Deviation from Max/Min: +6 lbs (Over Max)
Interpretation: This soldier exceeds the maximum allowable weight for her height and gender. She would need to take action to reduce her weight to meet Army standards, potentially entering the Army Weight Control Program.
How to Use This Army Weight Table Calculator
Using the Army Weight Table Calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to get your compliance status:
Enter Height: Input your height in inches. For example, 5 feet 10 inches is 5 * 12 + 10 = 70 inches.
Enter Weight: Input your current weight in pounds (lbs).
Select Gender: Choose 'Male' or 'Female' from the dropdown menu.
Enter Age: Input your age in years. While the primary standard is height/weight, age can be relevant for waivers or specific profiles.
Click 'Calculate': The calculator will process your inputs against the official Army standards.
How to Read Results:
Status: This is the most important indicator. 'Compliant' means you meet the standards. 'Overweight' or 'Underweight' indicates you are outside the acceptable range.
Allowed Weight Range: Shows the minimum and maximum weight (in lbs) considered acceptable for your height and gender.
Height Category: Confirms the height row used for the calculation.
Deviation from Max/Min: Indicates how many pounds you are over the maximum or under the minimum allowed weight. A value of '0' or 'Within Range' means you are compliant.
Decision-Making Guidance:
If 'Compliant', you meet the basic weight standard. Continue to focus on overall fitness.
If 'Overweight' or 'Underweight', you are non-compliant. You will likely need to take steps to adjust your weight. For current soldiers, this typically involves enrolling in the Army Weight Control Program (AWCP), which includes counseling, nutrition education, and fitness plans. Failure to meet standards can impact career progression, re-enlistment, and assignments.
Key Factors That Affect Army Weight Standards Results
While the calculator provides a direct comparison to the table, several underlying factors influence these standards and their application:
Height: This is the primary determinant. Taller individuals naturally have higher allowable weight limits than shorter individuals.
Gender: Biological differences in body composition and frame size mean that males and females have different weight standards for the same height.
Body Composition: AR 600-9 allows for a "tape test" (measuring neck, waist, and hip circumference) as an alternative standard for soldiers who are within 1-2 inches of the maximum allowable weight but appear to have excessive body fat. This acknowledges that muscular individuals might exceed the weight table but still be physically fit.
Age: While not a direct input for the standard table, age can be a factor in medical waivers or considerations for soldiers nearing retirement or with specific health profiles. Metabolism can also change with age.
Muscle Mass vs. Fat Mass: The weight table doesn't differentiate between muscle and fat. A very muscular soldier might exceed the weight limit but be healthier than a less muscular soldier who is within the limit but has a high body fat percentage. The tape test helps address this.
Medical Conditions and Profiles: Soldiers with certain medical conditions or injuries may be placed on a "Temporary Profile" (e.g., DA Form 3349), which can temporarily exempt them from certain physical requirements, including weight standards, while they recover. Permanent profiles might also include specific considerations.
Nutrition and Fitness Regimen: Consistent healthy eating habits and regular physical training are essential for maintaining compliance. Lifestyle choices directly impact weight.
Stress and Sleep: Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can affect hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, potentially making weight management more challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does the Army have a body fat percentage standard?
A: Yes, while the primary standard is the height/weight table, AR 600-9 also includes maximum body fat percentage standards (measured via the tape test) for males and females. Soldiers who exceed the weight table but meet the body fat standard are considered compliant. The maximum allowable body fat percentage is generally 20% for males and 26% for females, though these can vary slightly by age group.
Q2: What happens if I am overweight according to the Army weight table?
A: If you are a current soldier and exceed the weight or body fat standards, you will typically be enrolled in the Army Weight Control Program (AWCP). This program involves counseling, monitoring, and a plan to help you return to compliance. Failure to meet the standards after being enrolled in AWCP can have serious consequences, including potential separation from service.
Q3: Are there different standards for different Army jobs (MOS)?
A: The basic height and weight standards (AR 600-9) apply to all soldiers regardless of their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). However, certain physically demanding MOSs may have additional physical fitness requirements or standards that indirectly relate to maintaining a high level of physical conditioning, which includes weight management.
Q4: How often are the Army weight standards updated?
A: Army Regulation 600-9 is reviewed periodically. While the core principles remain, specific numerical values or procedures might be updated based on medical research, operational needs, and feedback. It's important to refer to the latest version of the regulation.
Q5: Can I use the calculator if I'm under the minimum weight?
A: Yes, the calculator will indicate if you are underweight. While less common than being overweight, being significantly underweight can also be a concern for overall health and fitness for duty. It might indicate underlying health issues or insufficient nutrition.
Q6: Does age affect the weight standards?
A: The primary Army weight table (AR 600-9) is based on height and gender. However, the regulation does mention age groups in relation to body fat percentage standards. For example, the maximum allowable body fat percentage might slightly increase for older age groups. Our calculator uses age as an input for completeness but primarily relies on height/gender for the standard range.
Q7: What is the "tape test"?
A: The tape test is a method used to measure body circumference (neck, waist, and hips) to estimate body fat percentage. It serves as an alternative or supplementary measure to the standard weight table, particularly for soldiers who are muscular.
Q8: Where can I find the official Army Regulation 600-9?
A: The official Army Regulation 600-9 can be found on the official U.S. Army Publishing Directorate website. You can search for "AR 600-9" on their site or through military knowledge networks.