Army Body Fat

Meeting the Standard: The Army Body Fat Calculator

The U.S. Army Body Fat Calculator uses the method outlined in the Army Regulation 600-9, "The Army Body Composition Program," to estimate a soldier's body fat percentage. This method is part of the Army's official process to ensure that all personnel maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness and a healthy body composition, which are critical for combat readiness and overall health. Unlike Body Mass Index (BMI), which only considers height and weight, the Army's method uses circumference measurements to provide a more accurate assessment of body fat, helping to differentiate between fat mass and lean muscle mass.

The calculator uses a simple set of measurements: height, neck circumference, and waist circumference for males, with the addition of hip circumference for females. These measurements are then plugged into a specific logarithmic formula to yield an estimated body fat percentage. The resulting percentage is compared against the Army's standards for age and gender to determine if a soldier is in compliance. For soldiers, failing to meet these body fat standards can have career implications, making this calculation a routine part of their physical assessments. For civilians, this calculator can be a useful and accessible tool for tracking changes in body composition without the need for expensive equipment. It provides a different perspective than simple scale weight and can be a good indicator of progress in a fitness program.

The U.S. Army Body Fat Formulas

The formulas are derived from extensive research and are designed to be easily administered in the field with just a measuring tape. All measurements should be taken in inches for the formulas to work as intended.

• Formula for Men: Body Fat % = 86.010 × log₁₀(waist - neck) - 70.041 × log₁₀(height) + 36.76
• Formula for Women: Body fat % = 163.205 × log₁₀(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 × log₁₀(height) - 78.387

This calculator automates these complex logarithmic calculations, providing an instant result based on your input measurements.

How to Take Accurate Measurements

Consistency and accuracy are key to getting a reliable estimate from this method. All measurements should be taken with a non-stretchable tape measure, held snugly against the skin but not compressing it.

• Height: Measure without shoes, standing straight.
• Neck: Measure the circumference of the neck just below the larynx (Adam's apple).
• Waist: For males, measure at the level of the navel (belly button). For females, measure at the narrowest point of the abdomen, usually about halfway between the navel and the bottom of the sternum.
• Hips (Females only): Measure the circumference at the widest point of the hips or buttocks when viewed from the side.
• It's recommended to take each measurement three times and use the average to ensure accuracy.

U.S. Army Body Fat Standards (as of AR 600-9)

The following table shows the maximum allowable body fat percentage by age and gender for U.S. Army personnel.