Army Body Fat Calculator

This calculator is derived from the U.S. Army’s Body Fat Assessment procedures as of June 12, 2023, under the Army Body Composition Program. Measurements must be taken a minimum of three times and then averaged for an accurate reading. All figures should be rounded to the closest pound for weight and closest half-inch for circumference measurements.

Background and Importance

Having a proper body fat percentage is an essential medical requirement for individuals serving with the U.S. Army. The Department of Defense also revises the body fat standards from time to time to keep soldiers fit. In 2021, Army leaders examined the correlation between soldiers’ body fat percentages and how they performed on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). The research indicated that troops with higher percentages of body fat had lower ACFT scores. Consequently, the Army updated its body fat measurement standards in June 2023 to enhance the overall readiness by ensuring that troops retain the physical fitness levels required to carry out their work competently.

The standards are applicable to all Regular Army troops, the Army National Guard, as well as the U.S. Army Reserve.

Exemption Criteria

Soldiers who score 540 points or better on the ACFT, with a minimum of 80 points in each individual event, are exempt from body fat testing. Those not meeting this requirement must go through the body fat testing process described.

Max Body Fat Percentages Allowed

Age Group	Male Body Fat Limit	Female Body Fat Limit
17-20	20%	30%
20-27	22%	32%
28-39	24%	34%
40 or up	26%	36%

How Body Fat Is Measured

The Army has a circumference measurement method using a tape measure centered on the abdominal region at the navel level. The subject should stand erect with arms relaxed at the side. Three measurements of abdominal circumference must be taken and then averaged and rounded to the next 0.5 inch. Body weight is measured and rounded to the next whole pound. The measurements can now be used to compute body fat percent using the calculator.

Supplemental Tests

If a soldier fails the standard via the tape measurement test, they will be marked. Nonetheless, if feasible, the soldier can ask for other tests to verify their body fat percentage. These additional tests are:

Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
InBody 770 Body Composition and Body Water Analyzer
Bod Pod Body Composition Tracking System

If a soldier rejects supplementary testing or does not pass the supplementary tests, the original flag still stands. The soldier will then be placed in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) for corrective action in those instances.