ArmyBF

Army Body Fat Calculator

The US Army's official method for measuring body fat.

Height (in)

Neck (in)

Waist (in)

Body fat %

17.5%

US Army circumference method (DoDI 1308.03)

What you entered

Height: 70 inNeck: 15 inWaist: 34 in

1
Waist minus neck
34 − 15= 19.0 in
2
US Army formula (male)
86.010×log₁₀(19.0) − 70.041×log₁₀(70) + 36.76= 17.5%

Result

Body fat %: 17.5%

Using the US Army's official circumference method, your estimated body fat is 17.5%.

Army body fat percentage from tape measurements

The US Army circumference method uses the same equation as the Navy tape test, with all measurements taken in inches.

Sex	Height	Neck	Waist	Hip	Body fat
Male	70 in	15 in	34 in	n/a	17.5%
Male	70 in	15 in	38 in	n/a	24.6%
Male	72 in	16 in	36 in	n/a	18.6%
Female	65 in	13 in	30 in	39 in	29.8%
Female	65 in	13 in	33 in	41 in	35.9%

Service body composition standards change and vary by age bracket, so check the current regulation rather than relying on any single published cut-off. General wellness information only, not medical advice. Discuss any health decision with a qualified clinician.

No calipers or scans required

This method estimates body fat purely from circumference measurements (neck, waist, and for women, hips) plugged into a regression formula the US military uses for its own fitness standards.

Why the military uses this method

It's fast, requires no special equipment, and is standardized enough to apply consistently across large groups of people during routine fitness assessments.

Frequently asked questions

What body fat percentage does the Army require?

Maximum allowable body fat varies by age and sex. For men: 20% (ages 17–20), 22% (21–27), 24% (28–39), 26% (40+). For women: 30% (17–20), 32% (21–27), 34% (28–39), 36% (40+). Soldiers who exceed weight tables are measured with the tape test to determine if they meet body fat standards.

How does the Army tape test work?

For men: measure neck circumference and waist (at navel level). Body fat = 86.010 × log10(waist − neck) − 70.041 × log10(height) + 36.76. For women: add hip circumference. Body fat = 163.205 × log10(waist + hip − neck) − 97.684 × log10(height) − 78.387. All measurements in inches.

How accurate is the Army body fat method?

It's within ±3–4% of DEXA scan results for most people. It tends to overestimate body fat in muscular individuals (large neck helps offset this) and underestimate it in people who carry fat in areas not measured. Despite limitations, it's the official standard for military fitness assessments.