How to Use the APFT Body Fat Calculator
The apft body fat calculator is an essential tool for Soldiers to determine their compliance with the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). Per AR 600-9, all Soldiers must be weighed and measured to ensure they maintain the specific body fat percentages required for their age and gender. This calculator uses the official "tape test" equations to provide an estimate of your body fat percentage.
To get an accurate result, you will need a flexible measuring tape and someone to help you take the measurements at specific anatomical locations. Follow these steps:
- Height
- Stand against a wall, heels together, looking straight ahead. Measured in inches to the nearest 0.25 inch.
- Neck
- Measure just below the larynx (Adam's apple). Do not expand the neck. Round up to the nearest half inch.
- Waist
- For men, measure at the navel. For women, measure at the narrowest point of the abdomen. Round down to the nearest half inch.
- Hips (Females Only)
- Measure over the greatest protrusion of the gluteal muscles (the buttocks). Round down to the nearest half inch.
How the Army Tape Test Formula Works
The U.S. Army uses a specific mathematical formula derived from logarithmic regressions to estimate body density and subsequent fat percentage. The variables change based on whether you are using the male or female calculation path.
Male Formula
% Body Fat = 86.010 × log10(waist – neck) – 70.041 × log10(height) + 36.76
Female Formula
% Body Fat = 163.205 × log10(waist + hip – neck) – 97.684 × log10(height) – 78.387
Army Body Fat Standards (AR 600-9)
Once the apft body fat calculator provides your percentage, you must compare it to the maximum allowable percentage for your age group as defined in AR 600-9:
| Age Group | Male Max % | Female Max % |
|---|---|---|
| 17 – 20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21 – 27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28 – 39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40 & Older | 26% | 36% |
Calculation Example
Scenario: A 25-year-old Male Soldier stands 72 inches tall. His neck measurement is 16.5 inches and his waist is 38 inches.
Step-by-step solution:
- Identify Variables: Waist=38, Neck=16.5, Height=72.
- Calculate Circumference Value: 38 – 16.5 = 21.5.
- Apply Logarithm: 86.010 * log10(21.5) = 114.61.
- Apply Height Log: 70.041 * log10(72) = 130.09.
- Combine with Constant: 114.61 – 130.09 + 36.76 = 21.28.
- Result: 21.3% Body Fat (Meets standard of 22% for the 21-27 age group).
Common Questions
What happens if I fail the body fat assessment?
If a Soldier exceeds the body fat standards, they are typically flagged and enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). This involves formal counseling, a nutrition plan, and monthly progress assessments to ensure the Soldier returns to standard.
Can I use a DEXA scan instead?
While technologies like DEXA or BodPod are more accurate, AR 600-9 currently recognizes the tape test as the only official method for determining body composition for administrative actions. However, some recent policy updates allow for a supplemental "high-tech" body fat assessment if a Soldier fails the tape test but has a high ACFT score.
How often is the tape test conducted?
Soldiers are typically measured every six months, often in conjunction with the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), or whenever a commander determines a Soldier does not present a professional military appearance.