Determine your compliance with AR 600-9 body composition standards. This army height weight calculator app provides instant feedback on weight screening and body fat percentage based on current U.S. Army regulations.
Male
Female
Valid range: 17-62
Please enter a valid age.
Enter measured weight without shoes.
Please enter a valid weight.
Circumference Measurements (Tape Test)
Required if weight exceeds screening table maximums.
Measure below the larynx (Adam's apple).
Measure at the navel (belly button).
Measure at the widest portion of the buttocks.
Compliance Status
—
PASS
Method: —
Body Fat %
–%
Max Allowed Body Fat
–%
Screening Weight Max
— lbs
Body Composition Visualization
■ Your Body Fat■ Max Allowed
Detailed Analysis
Metric
Your Value
Standard Limit
Status
What is the Army Height Weight Calculator App?
The army height weight calculator app is a digital tool used by soldiers, commanders, and recruits to verify compliance with the U.S. Army's Body Composition Program (ABCP), regulated under AR 600-9. Maintaining physical readiness is a core requirement of military service, and weight control is a primary indicator of physical fitness and health.
This calculator is designed for Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel who need to check their status before an official weigh-in. It encompasses two phases of the assessment: the initial weight-for-height screening and the secondary circumference tape test.
Common misconceptions include the belief that failing the screening table means automatic failure of the standard. In reality, if a soldier exceeds the screening weight, they are permitted to take the tape test to measure body fat percentage. If their body fat percentage is within the allowable limit for their age and gender, they are considered compliant.
Army Height Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The army height weight calculator app utilizes specific anthropometric formulas derived from circumference measurements. While the screening table is a simple lookup of height versus weight, the body fat calculation involves logarithmic equations.
Male Body Fat Formula
For men, the calculation uses neck and abdominal (waist) circumference:
Scenario: Sergeant Miller is a 28-year-old male who lifts weights heavily. He is 70 inches tall (5'10") and weighs 200 lbs.
Screening Check: The max weight for 70 inches is roughly 192 lbs. Miller is OVER screening weight.
Tape Test: Neck: 17.5″, Waist: 34″.
Calculation: Using the army height weight calculator app, his calculated body fat is approximately 16%.
Result: The max allowable body fat for his age group (28-39) is 24%. Miller PASSES despite being "overweight" by table standards.
Example 2: Borderline Case
Scenario: Private Jones is a 20-year-old female, 64 inches tall (5'4″), weighing 150 lbs.
Screening Check: Max weight for 64 inches is roughly 145 lbs. She is OVER screening weight.
Tape Test: Neck: 13.5″, Waist: 31″, Hips: 40″.
Calculation: Her calculated body fat is roughly 31%.
Result: The max allowable body fat for her age group (17-20) is 30%. She FAILS by 1% and would be enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program.
How to Use This Army Height Weight Calculator App
Select Gender and Age: Standards vary significantly between males and females and loosen slightly as soldiers age.
Enter Height: Input feet and inches separately. Round to the nearest half-inch if necessary.
Enter Current Weight: Weigh yourself in standard PT uniform (shorts/t-shirt) without shoes.
Input Tape Measurements:
If your weight is high, fill in the Neck and Waist fields.
Females must also complete the Hip measurement.
Analyze Results: Click "Calculate Status". The tool will first check the weight-for-height table. If you fail that, it calculates body fat percentage to determine final compliance.
Key Factors That Affect Results
Several variables can influence the outcome when using an army height weight calculator app.
Hydration Levels: Dehydration can temporarily reduce waist measurements but may also affect tissue elasticity, leading to inconsistent tape readings.
Posture: Slouching during the height measurement can reduce your recorded height, lowering your allowable weight. Standing too rigid during taping can expand the abdomen.
Muscle Mass: High muscle mass increases weight without increasing waist circumference proportionately. This is why the tape test exists—to save muscular soldiers from failing.
Measurement Technique: The tape must be horizontal and applied with constant tension. A loose tape on the neck or a tight tape on the waist can skew results by 3-5% body fat.
Breathing: Waist measurements are taken at the end of a normal expiration. Holding your breath in or pushing out will invalidate the result.
Age Brackets: As you age, the Army allows for a higher body fat percentage. A result that fails a 20-year-old might pass a 28-year-old.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum body fat for the Army?
It depends on age and gender. For males 17-20, it is 20%; for 21-27, it is 22%; for 28-39, it is 24%; and for 40+, it is 26%. Females have higher allowances, starting at 30% for the youngest bracket.
Is the tape test accurate?
The tape test is an estimation. While generally consistent, it has a margin of error compared to DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing. However, it is the only authorized method for the Army record.
What happens if I fail the Army height and weight?
If you fail both the screening table and the tape test, you are flagged. You must begin the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP), which includes nutritional counseling and a monthly weight loss mandate.
Can I suck in my stomach during the tape test?
No. Regulations state measurements are taken after a normal exhalation. "Sucking in" alters the anatomy and trained measurers will wait for you to breathe normally.
Does neck size help my score?
Yes. A larger neck circumference (relative to the waist) lowers the estimated body fat percentage in the mathematical formula used by the army height weight calculator app.
How often is height and weight checked?
Active duty soldiers are weighed every six months, usually in conjunction with the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
Why does the Army use a tape test instead of BMI?
BMI (Body Mass Index) does not distinguish between fat and muscle. The tape test attempts to account for body composition, allowing muscular soldiers to pass even if their BMI classifies them as overweight.
Is this calculator updated for ACFT standards?
The body composition standards (AR 600-9) are separate from the fitness test (ACFT). However, failing body comp can prevent you from attending military schools or getting promoted, regardless of your ACFT score.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Army PFT Calculator – Calculate your physical fitness test score based on pushups, situps, and run time.