Army Body Fat Calculator

by
Army Body Fat Calculator
Male (Tape Test)Female (Tape Test)
17-2021-2728-3940+
Results:
%
function toggleGender(){var g=document.getElementById('gender').value;document.getElementById('hipRow').style.display=(g=='female')?'table-row':'none';}function calculateBF(){var g=document.getElementById('gender').value;var h=parseFloat(document.getElementById('height').value);var n=parseFloat(document.getElementById('neck').value);var w=parseFloat(document.getElementById('waist').value);var age=parseInt(document.getElementById('age').value);var showSteps=document.getElementById('steps').checked;if(isNaN(h)||isNaN(n)||isNaN(w)){alert('Please enter valid measurements.');return;}var bf=0;if(g=='male'){bf=86.010*Math.log10(w-n)-70.041*Math.log10(h)+36.76;}else{var hip=parseFloat(document.getElementById('hips').value);if(isNaN(hip)){alert('Please enter hip measurement.');return;}bf=163.205*Math.log10(w+hip-n)-97.684*Math.log10(h)-78.387;}bf=Math.round(bf*10)/10;document.getElementById('resultValue').innerHTML=bf;var limit=0;if(g=='male'){if(age<=20)limit=20;else if(age<=27)limit=22;else if(age<=39)limit=24;else limit=26;}else{if(age<=20)limit=30;else if(age<=27)limit=32;else if(age<=39)limit=34;else limit=36;}var status=document.getElementById('statusResult');if(bf<=limit){status.innerHTML="PASS: Your body fat is within Army standards.";status.style.color="green";}else{status.innerHTML="FAIL: Your body fat exceeds the maximum allowed for your age.";status.style.color="red";}if(showSteps){var details="Age Limit: "+limit+"%
Method: US Army Tape Test
Formula Used: "+(g=='male'?'Male Logarithmic':'Female Logarithmic');document.getElementById('stepDetails').innerHTML=details;document.getElementById('stepDetails').style.display='block';}else{document.getElementById('stepDetails').style.display='none';}document.getElementById('answer').style.display='block';}

How to Use the Army Body Fat Calculator

The army body fat calculator is an essential tool for Soldiers and recruits to determine compliance with Army Regulation 600-9 (The Army Body Composition Program). This calculator uses the standard "Tape Test" method which provides a body fat percentage estimate based on circumference measurements.

To get an accurate result, you must follow the precise measurement guidelines mandated by the US Army:

Height
Measured in inches, standing flat-footed without shoes, looking straight ahead.
Neck
Measured just below the larynx (Adam's apple), with the tape parallel to the floor.
Waist
For males, measure at the navel. For females, measure at the narrowest point of the abdomen.
Hips (Females Only)
Measured at the widest point of the buttocks, ensuring the tape is level.

The Army Body Fat Formula

The US Army uses logarithmic formulas to estimate body fat percentage. These formulas are designed to correlate circumference measurements with hydrostatic weighing results.

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

  • Measurements should be taken to the nearest 0.5 inch.
  • Measurements are repeated three times to ensure accuracy.
  • The final body fat percentage is rounded to the nearest whole number.

Army Body Fat Standards (AR 600-9)

Compliance with the army body fat calculator standards is required for all active duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel. The maximum allowable body fat percentages vary by age group:

Age GroupMale LimitFemale Limit
17 – 2020%30%
21 – 2722%32%
28 – 3924%34%
40 +26%36%

Calculation Example: Male Soldier

Example: A 25-year-old male Soldier with a height of 72 inches, a neck of 16 inches, and a waist of 36 inches.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Determine Difference: Waist (36) – Neck (16) = 20
  2. Apply Logarithm 1: 86.010 * log10(20) ≈ 111.90
  3. Apply Logarithm 2: 70.041 * log10(72) ≈ 130.09
  4. Final Math: 111.90 – 130.09 + 36.76 = 18.57%
  5. Result: 19% Body Fat (Passes for age group 21-27).

Common Questions

Is the Tape Test accurate?

While methods like DEXA scans are more precise, the army body fat calculator method is accurate within 3-4% for most individuals. It is used because it is cost-effective and portable for field use.

What happens if I fail the body fat test?

Soldiers who exceed body fat standards are typically flagged (Action Code A) and enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). This involves nutritional counseling, exercise plans, and monthly assessments.

How often should I check my body fat?

It is recommended to use the army body fat calculator every 3-6 months to ensure you are staying well within the limits, especially before important schools or promotions.

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