Army Body Fat Calculator
Estimate your body fat percentage using the official U.S. Army tape test method, then check it against the current AR 600-9 standard for your age and gender.
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This is an estimate, not an official reading. Actual tape tests must be performed by two trained personnel following AR 600-9 procedure.
How Army Body Fat Is Calculated
Since June 2024, the Army has used a single-site tape test that only measures abdominal circumference and body weight. It replaced the older multi-site method, which used height, neck, waist, and — for women — hip measurements instead.
The classic method is still shown here for reference and comparison, since many training materials and older records still use it.
Maximum allowable body fat under AR 600-9 rises with age. Soldiers who exceed the limit for their bracket are referred to the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP).
| Age Group | Male Max | Female Max |
|---|---|---|
| 17 – 20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21 – 27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28 – 39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed with the 2024 tape test?
Effective June 9, 2024, the Army moved from a multi-site measurement (height, neck, waist, and hip for women) to a single-site test that only needs abdominal circumference and body weight, for both men and women.
Do I need a tape test if I’m within the weight chart?
No. A body fat assessment is only required when a soldier exceeds the height and weight screening table for their age and height. Soldiers under that weight are not taped.
What happens if I exceed the standard?
A soldier who exceeds the maximum for their age and gender is flagged and enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP), which includes nutrition counseling and monthly progress checks until the standard is met.
Why do the allowed percentages increase with age?
Body composition naturally shifts with age even in fit individuals, so AR 600-9 sets a higher allowable ceiling for older age brackets rather than using one flat standard for everyone.