Army Height Weight Tape Calculator
Official AR 600-9 Body Fat Percentage Compliance Tool
Male
Female
Formulas differ significantly by gender per AR 600-9.
Used to determine maximum allowable body fat percentage.
Please enter a valid age (17-62).
Feet
Inches
Please enter a valid height.
Measure just below the larynx (Adam's apple). Round to nearest 0.5″.
Please enter a valid neck measurement.
Male: At navel. Female: At narrowest point. Round to nearest 0.5″.
Please enter a valid waist measurement.
Females only: Measure at widest protrusion of gluteal muscles.
Please enter a valid hip measurement.
Estimated Body Fat Percentage
18.5%
PASS
Max Allowable Body Fat
22%
Circumference Value
18.5
Total Height (Inches)
70″
Formula Used: Male AR 600-9 = [86.010 × log10(waist – neck)] – [70.041 × log10(height)] + 36.76
| Metric | Value | Standard |
|---|
What is the Height Weight Tape Calculator Army?
The height weight tape calculator army is a critical tool used by the United States Army to assess the body composition of soldiers who exceed the screening table weights. Officially known as the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) calculator, it determines a soldier's body fat percentage based on specific circumference measurements relative to their height.
This "tape test" is governed by Army Regulation 600-9. It is not a direct measure of weight but rather an estimation of body fat. Soldiers are required to meet specific body fat standards based on their age and gender to ensure physical readiness and maintain professional military appearance.
While the Army is exploring new methods like body scanners, the tape test remains the primary administrative method for determining compliance when a soldier's weight exceeds the allowable limit for their height.
Height Weight Tape Calculator Army Formula
The mathematics behind the height weight tape calculator army relies on logarithmic equations that correlate circumference measurements with body density and fat percentage. The formulas differ significantly for males and females due to physiological differences in fat distribution.
Male Formula
For men, the calculation focuses on the relationship between the abdomen (waist) and the neck. A larger neck relative to the waist typically indicates more muscle mass and less body fat.
% Body Fat = [86.010 × log10(waist – neck)] – [70.041 × log10(height)] + 36.76
Female Formula
For women, the hips are included in the calculation. The formula accounts for the waist, hip, and neck measurements.
% Body Fat = [163.205 × log10(waist + hip – neck)] – [97.684 × log10(height)] – 78.387
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Soldier's standing height | Inches | 58″ – 80″ |
| Neck | Circumference below larynx | Inches | 12″ – 22″ |
| Waist | Abdominal circumference | Inches | 24″ – 50″ |
| Hip | Gluteal circumference (Females) | Inches | 30″ – 60″ |
Practical Examples of the Tape Test
Example 1: Male Soldier (Age 25)
A 25-year-old male soldier stands 70 inches tall (5'10"). He weighs 205 lbs, which is over the screening table weight, triggering the tape test.
- Neck: 16.5 inches
- Waist: 36.0 inches
- Calculation: The circumference value (Waist – Neck) is 19.5. Using the formula, his calculated body fat is approximately 19%.
- Result: The max allowable for his age group (21-27) is 22%. He PASSES.
Example 2: Female Soldier (Age 30)
A 30-year-old female soldier is 64 inches tall (5'4″).
- Neck: 13.5 inches
- Waist: 31.0 inches
- Hips: 40.0 inches
- Calculation: The circumference value (Waist + Hip – Neck) is 57.5. Her calculated body fat is approximately 33%.
- Result: The max allowable for her age group (28-39) is 34%. She PASSES, but is close to the limit.
How to Use This Height Weight Tape Calculator Army
- Select Gender: Choose Male or Female. This changes the input fields and the underlying formula.
- Enter Age: Input your current age. This determines your maximum allowable body fat percentage (the "Pass" threshold).
- Input Height: Enter your height in feet and inches. Measure without shoes, standing flat-footed.
- Enter Circumferences:
- Neck: Measure just below the Adam's apple.
- Waist (Male): Measure across the navel (belly button).
- Waist (Female): Measure at the narrowest point of the abdomen.
- Hips (Female only): Measure at the widest part of the buttocks.
- Review Results: The calculator updates instantly. Check the "Status" badge to see if you meet AR 600-9 standards.
Key Factors That Affect Height Weight Tape Calculator Army Results
Several variables can influence the outcome of your height weight tape calculator army assessment, sometimes leading to inaccurate results.
- Tape Tension: The tape must be applied so that it conforms to the body without compressing the soft tissue. Too tight reduces the measurement; too loose increases it.
- Hydration Status: Dehydration can slightly reduce circumference measurements, while bloating can increase waist measurements significantly.
- Posture: Slouching can compress the abdomen, increasing the waist measurement. Standing tall with proper military bearing is required for accuracy.
- Breathing: Measurements should be taken at the end of a normal expiration (breathing out). Holding your breath or sucking in the gut is prohibited.
- Muscle Mass: The tape test is often criticized because it penalizes muscular soldiers with thick waists but small necks. Conversely, a thick neck (often from muscle) helps lower the calculated body fat percentage.
- Measurement Rounding: Army regulations require rounding measurements to the nearest 0.5 inch. This rounding can swing a score by 1-2% in borderline cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I fail the height weight tape calculator army test?
If you exceed the body fat standards, you will be flagged and enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). You must lose weight/fat at a satisfactory rate (usually 3-8 lbs or 1% body fat per month) to avoid separation.
Is the tape test accurate?
The tape test is an estimation. Studies show it has a margin of error compared to DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing. It tends to overestimate fat in muscular individuals and underestimate it in those with low muscle mass.
Can I suck in my stomach during the tape test?
No. Regulation AR 600-9 states measurements must be taken at the end of a normal exhalation. "Sucking it in" distorts the measurement and is a violation of the protocol.
How does neck size affect the score?
Mathematically, a larger neck circumference reduces the calculated body fat percentage. This is why neck training is popular among soldiers preparing for the tape test.
What are the age groups for body fat standards?
The standards are divided into four age groups: 17-20, 21-27, 28-39, and 40+. Older soldiers are allowed a slightly higher body fat percentage.
Do I get taped if I meet the screening table weight?
Generally, no. If your weight is at or below the screening table weight for your height, you are considered compliant and do not need to be taped.
Is there a new Army fitness test?
Yes, the ACFT (Army Combat Fitness Test) is the physical fitness test, but the ABCP (tape test) remains the standard for body composition compliance.
Can I request a different method of measurement?
Under recent policy updates, soldiers who score high on the ACFT (540+) may be exempt from the tape test. Additionally, specific circumstances may allow for supplemental testing methods, but the tape remains the primary standard.