Army Body Fat Calculator

Calculate body fat percentage using US Army tape test method. Check if you meet military body composition standards.

For Army standard comparison

Without shoes

Below Adam's apple, round to nearest 0.5"

At navel, horizontal

Narrowest point

Widest point around buttocks

Male Formula:\nBF% = 86.010 * log₁₀(abdomen - neck) - 70.041 * log₁₀(height) + 36.76\n\nFemale Formula:\nBF% = 163.205 * log₁₀(waist + hips - neck) - 97.684 * log₁₀(height) - 78.387\n\nStandards (Male): 20-26% depending on age\nStandards (Female): 30-36% depending on age
Example (Male):\nAge: 25\nHeight: 70 inches\nNeck: 15 inches\nAbdomen: 34 inches\n\nBF% = 86.010 * log₁₀(34-15) - 70.041 * log₁₀(70) + 36.76\nBF% = 86.010 * 1.279 - 70.041 * 1.845 + 36.76\nBF% = 18.2%\n\nStandard for 25yo male: 22%\nStatus: ✓ PASS (3.8% below standard)

What is the Army body fat standard?

US Army body fat standards: Men 17-20 years <=20%, 21-27 years <=22%, 28-39 years <=24%, 40+ years <=26%. Women 17-20 years <=30%, 21-27 years <=32%, 28-39 years <=34%, 40+ years <=36%. Exceeding standards can result in flag, barred from promotion, or separation.

How does the Army measure body fat?

Army uses circumference-based method (tape test). Men: neck, abdomen. Women: neck, waist, hips. Not as accurate as DEXA/hydrostatic but consistent and field-expedient. Measurement technique matters—improper measuring can fail soldiers who are actually within standards.

Where exactly should I measure for Army body fat?

Neck: Below larynx (Adam's apple), perpendicular to axis. Abdomen (men): At navel level, horizontal. Waist (women): Narrowest point, usually above navel. Hips (women): Widest point around buttocks, horizontal. Measure while standing, relaxed. Round to nearest 0.5 inch.

How accurate is the Army body fat formula?

Army formula has ~3-4% margin of error. Can overestimate BF for muscular individuals, underestimate for those with low muscle mass. More accurate than BMI but less than DEXA scan. Designed for field use, not precision. If borderline, request alternative method or remeasurement.

What happens if I fail the Army body fat test?

Consequences: Enrollment in Army Body Composition Program (ABCP), monthly weigh-ins, flagged (no schools, promotions, awards), possible bar to reenlistment or separation if not corrected. Must meet standards within specific timeframe. Take measurements seriously—career impact is real.