Army Fitness Calculator Body Fat

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Army Fitness Calculator Body Fat
Male (Tape: Neck & Waist)Female (Tape: Neck, Waist, & Hips)
17 – 2021 – 2728 – 3940 +
Results:
%
function toggleHips(){var gender = document.getElementById('gender').value;document.getElementById('hipRow').style.display = (gender === 'female' ? 'table-row' : 'none');}function calculateBF(){var gender = 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 steps = document.getElementById('steps').checked;var bf = 0;var maxBF = 0;if(isNaN(h)||isNaN(n)||isNaN(w)){alert('Please enter valid measurements.');return;}if(gender === 'female'){var hp = parseFloat(document.getElementById('hip').value);if(isNaN(hp)){alert('Please enter hip measurement.');return;}bf = 163.205 * Math.log10(w + hp – n) – 97.684 * Math.log10(h) – 78.387;if(age <= 20) maxBF = 30; else if(age <= 27) maxBF = 32; else if(age <= 39) maxBF = 34; else maxBF = 36;} else {bf = 86.010 * Math.log10(w – n) – 70.041 * Math.log10(h) + 36.76;if(age <= 20) maxBF = 20; else if(age <= 27) maxBF = 22; else if(age <= 39) maxBF = 24; else maxBF = 26;}bf = Math.round(bf * 10) / 10;document.getElementById('resultValue').innerHTML = bf;var status = document.getElementById('statusMessage');if(bf <= maxBF){status.innerHTML = "STATUS: PASS";status.style.color = "green";} else {status.innerHTML = "STATUS: FAIL (Exceeds " + maxBF + "% for age group)";status.style.color = "red";}if(steps){var details = document.getElementById('stepDetails');details.style.display = 'block';var formulaStr = (gender === 'male') ? "86.010 * log10(Waist – Neck) – 70.041 * log10(Height) + 36.76" : "163.205 * log10(Waist + Hip – Neck) – 97.684 * log10(Height) – 78.387";details.innerHTML = "Army Regulation 600-9 Standard:
Formula Used: " + formulaStr + "
Max Allowable Body Fat for your age/gender: " + maxBF + "%
Current Difference: " + (bf – maxBF).toFixed(1) + "%";} else {document.getElementById('stepDetails').style.display = 'none';}document.getElementById('answer').style.display = 'block';}

How to Use the Army Fitness Calculator Body Fat

The army fitness calculator body fat tool is designed to provide Soldiers with an accurate estimate of their body composition based on the U.S. Army's official "Tape Test" method. This method is the primary tool used under Army Regulation 600-9 (The Army Body Composition Program) to ensure Soldiers maintain a healthy and mission-ready physical state.

To get an accurate result, you must take precise measurements using a non-stretchable tape. Follow these input requirements:

Gender and Age
The Army applies different standards and formulas based on biological sex and age brackets.
Height
Measure height without shoes, standing flat against a wall, rounded to the nearest half-inch.
Neck Circumference
Measure just below the larynx (Adam's apple). The tape should be perpendicular to the long axis of the neck.
Waist Circumference
For males, measure at the navel. For females, measure at the narrowest point of the abdomen.
Hip Circumference (Females Only)
Measure at the widest point of the buttocks.

How the Army Body Fat Formula Works

The Army uses a mathematical model based on logarithmic regressions to estimate body density, which is then converted into a body fat percentage. While not as precise as a DEXA scan, it is highly reliable for field use when conducted properly.

Male Formula: %BF = 86.010 × log10(Waist – Neck) – 70.041 × log10(Height) + 36.76

Female Formula: %BF = 163.205 × log10(Waist + Hip – Neck) – 97.684 × log10(Height) – 78.387

  • Log10: Base-10 logarithms accounts for the non-linear relationship between circumference and volume.
  • Waist-Neck: This calculation isolates the abdominal mass relative to the frame.
  • Standardization: All measurements must be taken in inches for these specific coefficients.

Calculation Example

Example: A 25-year-old male Soldier with a height of 70 inches, a neck of 16 inches, and a waist of 36 inches.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Identify Variables: Height = 70, Neck = 16, Waist = 36.
  2. Subtract Neck from Waist: 36 – 16 = 20.
  3. Apply Logarithm 1: log10(20) ≈ 1.301.
  4. Apply Logarithm 2: log10(70) ≈ 1.845.
  5. Plug into Formula: (86.010 * 1.301) – (70.041 * 1.845) + 36.76.
  6. Calculation: 111.90 – 129.23 + 36.76 = 19.43%.
  7. Result: 19.4% (PASS for Age 21-27 bracket, max limit is 22%).

Common Questions

What happens if I fail the army fitness calculator body fat test?

If a Soldier exceeds the body fat standard, they are typically flagged under the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). This involves mandatory enrollment in nutritional counseling, increased physical training, and regular monthly "weigh-ins" and "tape-ins" to track progress toward the standard.

Does the Army allow for the "New" Tape Test?

In 2023, the Army updated its policy to allow for a single-site waist measurement as a screening tool. However, the traditional multi-site tape test remains the "gold standard" for Soldiers who fail the single-site measurement or for those who wish to appeal a failure using the older, more comprehensive formula.

How often should I check my body fat?

It is recommended that Soldiers use the army fitness calculator body fat at least once a month if they are close to the limit. This ensures there are no surprises during the semi-annual height/weight assessments conducted by the unit.

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