Army Body Fat Calculator – DoD Tape Test (AR 600-9)
Estimated Body Fat %
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Army Standard (Max Allowed)
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Status
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Army Body Fat Standards (AR 600-9)
| Age | Male Max | Female Max |
|---|---|---|
| 17–20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21–27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28–39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
How the Army Body Fat Tape Test Works
The U.S. Army uses the circumference-based tape test method defined in Army Regulation 600-9 (The Army Body Composition Program) to estimate body fat percentage for soldiers who exceed weight screening tables. This method uses measurements of the neck, waist (and hips for females), and height to calculate body fat using a logarithmic formula developed by the Department of Defense.
For males, the formula is: %BF = 86.010 x log10(abdomen - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76. For females: %BF = 163.205 x log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387. All measurements are taken in inches, with waist measured at the navel (males) or natural waist (females), neck at the narrowest point below the larynx, and hips at the widest point.
Army body fat standards vary by age and gender. Males aged 17-20 must be at or below 20%, ages 21-27 at 22%, ages 28-39 at 24%, and 40+ at 26%. Females aged 17-20 must be at or below 30%, ages 21-27 at 32%, ages 28-39 at 34%, and 40+ at 36%. Soldiers exceeding these standards are enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) and given time to meet requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Army tape test work?
The Army tape test measures neck and waist circumference for males, and neck, waist, and hip for females. These measurements are used in a DoD logarithmic formula along with height to estimate body fat percentage.
What are the Army body fat limits?
Males: 20% (ages 17-20), 22% (21-27), 24% (28-39), 26% (40+). Females: 30% (ages 17-20), 32% (21-27), 34% (28-39), 36% (40+).
How accurate is the tape test?
The DoD tape test has an accuracy of about plus or minus 3-4 percentage points compared to DEXA scanning. It tends to overestimate body fat in muscular individuals.
Where exactly do you measure for the Army tape test?
Neck at the narrowest point below the larynx. Waist at the navel (males) or natural waist (females). Hips at the widest point of the buttocks (females only). Round down to nearest half inch.