Estimate body fat % using the official US Army AR 600-9 tape test formula. Compares against military body composition standards by age and sex.
These examples apply the Army tape method and compare each result with the simplified sex-specific pass standard.
| Profile | Ht/Wt/Waist/Hip/Neck (in) | BF % | Pass standard (M≤20%, F≤30%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M, 22 | 70 / 32 / — / 15 | 14.2% | Pass |
| M, 30 | 72 / 34 / — / 15 | 17.1% | Pass |
| M, 40 | 70 / 36 / — / 15 | 22.6% | Does not pass |
| F, 22 | 64 / 28 / 34 / 13 | 23.5% | Pass |
| F, 30 | 64 / 30 / 36 / 13 | 27.0% | Pass |
| F, 40 | 64 / 32 / 38 / 13 | 30.4% | Does not pass |
| M, 25 | 68 / 30 / — / 14 | 12.5% | Pass |
| F, 25 | 65 / 27 / 35 / 12 | 22.8% | Pass |
AR 600-9 method. Uses height, weight, and (for F) hip + neck measurements.
The Army body fat calculator implements the official US Army Regulation 600-9 'tape test' formula for estimating body fat percentage from circumference measurements. For men it uses height, neck, and waist. For women it adds hip circumference. Our calculator then compares the result to the AR 600-9 maximum allowable body fat standard for the soldier's age group and sex, telling them whether they pass or are enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP).
70 in = 5'10"
Measure just below the larynx
Men: navel level. Women: narrowest point
17.5%
22%
✓ Within standard
| Age group | Male max % | Female max % |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21-27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28-39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
Source: Army Regulation 600-9, "The Army Body Composition Program" (current edition). The tape test is the official US Army screening tool for body composition. Soldiers exceeding the standard are enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) and required to lose weight. The body fat % here is an estimate — DEXA scans and hydrostatic weighing are more accurate. This calculator is for informational purposes.
Cross-checked against authoritative formulas (IRS, NIST, ACSM) and updated for 2025/2026 tax years and rates.
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The Army body fat calculator implements the US Army Regulation 600-9 'tape test' — the official military body composition screening tool. It estimates body fat percentage from circumference measurements (height, neck, waist, and hip for women) using a logarithmic regression formula, then compares the result to the AR 600-9 maximum allowable body fat standard for the soldier's age group and sex. Our army body fat calculator reproduces this exact formula for soldiers, recruits, veterans, and civilians curious about the standard.
How it works
Our army body fat calculator applies the official AR 600-9 circumference formula and compares the result against the maximum allowable body fat standard for your age and sex.
Using a non-stretchable tape, measure neck (just below the larynx), waist (navel for men, narrowest point for women), and hip for women (widest point). Round to the nearest ½ inch.
Type your height in inches, age, and sex assigned at birth. The army body fat calculator uses AR 600-9 formulas which differ between men and women — men need only height + neck + waist; women add hip circumference.
The army body fat calculator shows your estimated body fat % and the AR 600-9 maximum allowable for your age group. A green pass means you meet the standard; red means you exceed it and would be enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program.