How does the Army body fat test work?

The Army uses a circumference-based method measuring height and abdominal circumference to estimate body fat percentage. Standards vary by age and sex.

What are the Army body fat standards?

Maximum allowable body fat for males: 20% (ages 17–20), 22% (21–27), 24% (28–39), 26% (40+). For females: 30% (17–20), 32% (21–27), 34% (28–39), 36% (40+).

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Army Body Fat Calculator

Estimate body fat % using the U.S. Army circumference-based method and compare with Army standards.

Privacy: All calculations run locally in your browser. We do not send your inputs to any server.

Tip: your entries are never placed in the page URL.

Export summary downloads a .txt file created in your browser. Copy page link copies only the page address (no inputs).

About the Army Body Fat Calculator

The U.S. Army uses a circumference-based method to estimate body fat percentage as part of its body composition program (AR 600-9). This calculator implements the one-site abdominal circumference formula.

How it works

The formula uses your height and abdominal (waist) circumference measured at the belly button level. The calculation applies a logarithmic relationship between these measurements and body fat percentage.

Army standards

Males: 20% (ages 17–20), 22% (21–27), 24% (28–39), 26% (40+)
Females: 30% (ages 17–20), 32% (21–27), 34% (28–39), 36% (40+)

Measurement tips

Measure your abdomen at the level of the belly button (navel).
Keep the tape snug but not compressing the skin.
Measure at the end of a normal breath.