Army Body Fat Calculator
Calculate body fat percentage using the U.S. Army tape test method.
The Army Body Fat Calculator estimates body fat percentage using the U.S. military tape test method defined in AR 600-9, helping service members determine whether they meet body composition standards.
Examples
25-year-old male soldier
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the tape test used?
How accurate is the tape test compared to other methods?
Quick Tips
- •Take measurements in the morning before eating for the most consistent results.
- •Have the same person measure you each time to reduce inter-rater variability.
- •If you are close to the limit, focus on reducing waist circumference through diet and core training.
The Army Body Fat Calculator estimates body fat percentage using the U.S. military tape test method defined in AR 600-9, helping service members determine whether they meet body composition standards.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your gender, age, height, and body circumference measurements (neck, waist, and hip for females). Measurements should be taken with a tape measure per US Army AR 600-9 standards. The calculator uses the DoD tape test method to estimate body fat percentage.
Understanding the Formula
Male: %BF = 86.010 x log10(waist - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76. Female: %BF = 163.205 x log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387. All measurements in centimeters.
Examples
25-year-old male soldier
Height: 69 in, Neck: 15 in, Waist: 33 in. Body fat: ~16.5%. Army max for age 21-27: 22%. Result: PASS.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the tape test used?
The Army tape test (AR 600-9) is used when a soldier exceeds the screening weight for their height. If they fail the weight screening, body fat is measured using the tape method to determine if they meet body fat standards.
How accurate is the tape test compared to other methods?
The tape test is a field-expedient method with estimated accuracy of +/- 3%. It is less precise than DEXA or hydrostatic weighing but provides a standardized measurement that can be performed anywhere without equipment.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Based on the DoD circumference method, which has an estimated accuracy of +/- 3%.
- Assumes measurements are taken per AR 600-9 standards — improper technique reduces accuracy.
- Maximum allowable body fat thresholds vary by age and gender per Army regulation.