Army Body Fat Calculator
Estimate body fat with the Army's single-site abdominal circumference method and check it against the age-based standard.
How to use the Army Body Fat Calculator
- Choose the sex.
- Enter the age.
- Enter the body weight and pick its unit.
- Enter the abdominal circumference and pick its unit – Measured at the level of the navel.
- Press Calculate. The result updates automatically as you type.
About the Army Body Fat Calculator
In 2023 the U.S. Army replaced its multi-site neck-and-waist (and hip) tape test with a single abdominal measurement taken at the navel. Army research found the one-site equation predicted DEXA-measured body fat as well as or better than the old method, and it is quicker to perform consistently.
Soldiers are usually taped only if they exceed the screening weight for their height, and high scorers on the fitness test may be exempt. Regulations change, so confirm current procedures with your unit. This tool is for self-checking and is not an official assessment or medical advice.
Formula
Weight in pounds, abdominal circumference in inches (one-site method adopted in 2023):
Men: %BF = −26.97 − 0.12 × weight + 1.99 × abdomen
Women: %BF = −9.15 − 0.015 × weight + 1.27 × abdomen
| Age | Men (max) | Women (max) |
|---|---|---|
| 17–20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21–27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28–39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
Example calculation
Using the default values:
- Sex = Male
- Age = 25 years
- Body weight = 180 lb
- Abdominal circumference = 34 in
the calculator returns:
- Estimated body fat: 19.1%
- Maximum allowed for your age: 22%
- Result: ✓ Meets the standard (2.9 points under)
Frequently asked questions
How does the Army tape test work now?
A trained measurer wraps the tape around the abdomen at the navel, takes three readings, and averages them. That number and your weight go into the sex-specific equation.
What is the Army body fat limit?
For men it ranges from 20% at ages 17–20 to 26% at 40 and older. For women it ranges from 30% to 36% over the same age groups.
Is the Army method the same as the Navy method?
No. The Navy method uses height, neck and waist (and hip for women), while the current Army method uses only weight and abdominal circumference.
Last updated: · Category: Health & Fitness calculators