Army Body Fat Calculator

Official U.S. Army AR 600-9 tape test body composition standard. Evaluates military readiness compliance criteria by age group.

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Calculate Standards Compliance

Enter your measurements on the left to verify if you meet the U.S. Army physical readiness regulations.

Table of Contents

1. U.S. Army AR 600-9 Body Composition Standards

The U.S. Army's **AR 600-9** regulation establishes body composition standards to support physical readiness and operational effectiveness. Service members must maintain these standards to ensure they are physically prepared for duty.

If a soldier exceeds their maximum allowable weight based on height-weight screening tables, they must undergo a **body fat tape test** to estimate their body fat percentage. Our calculator automates this tape test calculation.

2. The Army Tape Test Measurement Protocol

The Army tape test uses specific circumference measurements to estimate body fat percentage. For accuracy, measurements should be taken three times and averaged:

  • For Men: Measure the neck (below the larynx) and the abdomen (at the navel, parallel to the ground).
  • For Women: Measure the neck, the waist (at the narrowest point), and the hips (at the widest point of the glutes).

These circumference measurements are then evaluated alongside your height using logarithmic equations to estimate body fat. For a general body composition estimate, try our standard Body Fat Calculator.

3. Allowable Body Fat Limits by Age Group

The maximum allowable body fat percentage limits vary by age and gender under AR 600-9:

Age Group Male Body Fat Limit Female Body Fat Limit
17 - 20 years 20% 30%
21 - 27 years 22% 32%
28 - 39 years 24% 34%
40+ years 26% 36%

4. Strategies to Meet Military Fitness Requirements

Active duty personnel who exceed their allowable body fat limits may be entered into the **Army Body Composition Program (ABCP)**, which can affect promotions and career progression. To manage body fat effectively:

  • Establish a Calorie Deficit: Consume fewer calories than your TDEE to encourage fat loss. Calculate your target intake using our TDEE Calculator.
  • Prioritize Strength Training: Resistance training signals to your body to preserve muscle tissue during a calorie deficit. Track your lean mass using our Lean Body Mass Calculator.
  • Maintain High Protein Intake: Adequate protein support muscle preservation. Plan your protein targets using our Protein Calculator.