US Army Body Fat Calculator
Official AR 600-9 Standards (The Tape Test)
Male
Female
Calculation Results:
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Understanding the Army Body Fat Assessment (AR 600-9)
In the United States Army, maintaining physical readiness is a core requirement of service. The "Tape Test," governed by Army Regulation 600-9, is the official method used to determine if a Soldier meets the body fat composition standards. While Body Mass Index (BMI) is used as an initial screening tool, the tape test is the definitive measurement for those who exceed weight-for-height tables.
How the Calculation Works
The military uses a specific circumference-based formula developed by the Naval Health Research Center. Unlike standard BMI which only uses height and weight, this formula accounts for lean mass indicators (neck) and adipose tissue indicators (waist and hips).
- For Males: Measurement is taken at the neck (below the larynx) and the abdomen (at the navel).
- For Females: Measurements are taken at the neck, the narrowest part of the waist, and the widest part of the hips.
Example Calculation (Male):
A 70-inch tall male Soldier with a 16-inch neck and 35-inch waist would calculate as follows:
Formula: 86.010 * log10(35 – 16) – 70.041 * log10(70) + 36.76 = 17.5% Body Fat.
A 70-inch tall male Soldier with a 16-inch neck and 35-inch waist would calculate as follows:
Formula: 86.010 * log10(35 – 16) – 70.041 * log10(70) + 36.76 = 17.5% Body Fat.
Army Body Fat Standards by Age
The maximum allowable body fat percentage varies depending on the age group of the Service Member. As of current regulations:
| Age Group | Male Max % | Female Max % |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21-27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28-39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
Tips for an Accurate Measurement
To ensure your self-assessment matches the official unit measurement, follow these guidelines:
- Measurement Tool: Use a non-stretchable tape made of fiberglass or metal. Do not use cloth sewing tapes that can stretch over time.
- Tension: The tape should be snug against the skin but not so tight that it creates a "valley" in the flesh.
- Rounding: AR 600-9 requires measurements to be rounded to the nearest half-inch for calculation purposes.
- Consistency: Take measurements three times and use the average to ensure accuracy.
What Happens if You Fail?
Soldiers who exceed the body fat standards are typically entered into the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). This program includes mandatory nutritional counseling, increased physical training, and monthly monitoring to help the Soldier return to standards and maintain readiness.