How does the Army body fat test work?

The Army uses a circumference-based method using body weight and abdominal circumference at the navel (one-site tape test, 2023) 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+).

Home › Army Body Fat Calculator

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

Since 2023 (ALARACT 046-2023) the Army uses a one-site tape test: body weight and abdominal circumference measured at the level of the navel. Height is not needed.

Male: %BF = −26.97 − 0.12 × weight (lb) + 1.99 × abdomen (in)
Female: %BF = −9.15 − 0.015 × weight (lb) + 1.27 × abdomen (in)

Metric inputs are converted to pounds and inches before applying the formula.

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.