Using the Army Height and Weight Calculator
The army height and weight calculator is an essential tool for Soldiers and recruits to ensure compliance with Army Regulation (AR) 600-9, The Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). This calculator determines if an individual meets the initial screening weight or requires the secondary body fat assessment, commonly known as the "Tape Test."
To use this tool effectively, you must select between the Screening Weight table and the Tape Test. The screening weight is the first gate; if you are under the weight limit for your height and age, you automatically pass. If you exceed the weight, you are not necessarily "out of standards," but you must undergo tape measurements to determine your body fat percentage.
- Gender and Age Group
- The Army allows for higher body fat and weight as a Soldier ages. Select the group that matches your current age.
- Height (Inches)
- Measure height in stocking feet, standing flat on the floor with the chin parallel to the ground.
- Circumference Measurements
- For the tape test, males measure the neck and waist. Females measure the neck, waist, and hips.
How It Works: AR 600-9 Standards
When you use the army height and weight calculator, the math varies based on the calculation type selected. The body fat percentage formula is based on the Hodgdon and Beckett equations, which were developed at the Naval Health Research Center.
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
- Waist: Measured at the navel for males; at the narrowest part of the abdomen for females.
- Neck: Measured just below the larynx (Adam's apple).
- Hips (Females only): Measured at the widest point of the buttocks.
- Logarithms: These base-10 logs account for the non-linear relationship between circumference and volume.
Army Body Fat Allowance by Age
The U.S. Army enforces strict body fat limits to ensure physical readiness. If a Soldier exceeds these limits, they may be flagged for the ABCP, which can impact promotions, schools, and reenlistment. The maximum body fat percentages are:
| Age Group | Male Limit | Female Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21-27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28-39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
Calculation Example
Example Scenario: A 25-year-old male Soldier stands 70 inches tall and weighs 195 lbs. His neck measures 16 inches and his waist measures 37 inches.
Step-by-step assessment:
- Check Screening Weight: For a 70″ male, 21-27 group, the max weight is 185 lbs. Since he weighs 195 lbs, he fails the screening and must be taped.
- Identify Measurements: Height = 70, Neck = 16, Waist = 37.
- Calculate BF%: 86.010 * log10(37-16) – 70.041 * log10(70) + 36.76.
- Result: Approx 19.8% Body Fat.
- Conclusion: Since the limit for a 25-year-old male is 22%, he passes the Body Fat Assessment despite being over the weight table limit.
Common Questions
What happens if I fail the army height and weight calculator?
If you exceed both the screening weight and the body fat tape test, you will be enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). You will be "flagged," meaning you cannot attend professional schools, receive promotions, or reenlist until you meet the standards for two consecutive months.
Can I use a BMI calculator instead?
No. While the screening weight table is roughly based on BMI principles, the official Army standard requires the specific tape test methodology outlined in AR 600-9. Commercial BMI calculators do not account for the unique neck-to-waist ratios used by the military.
How often are these standards checked?
Soldiers are typically weighed every six months, often in conjunction with the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Commanders also have the authority to direct a weight check at any time if they believe a Soldier does not present a professional military appearance.