Army Body Fat Calculator
Calculate body fat percentage using the U.S. Army method (AR 600-9).
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Meeting Military Standards
This calculator uses the official U.S. Army method (AR 600-9) to estimate body fat percentage. It relies on circumference measurements and is a key component of the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). This tool not only estimates your body fat but also tells you if you meet the Army's standard for your age and gender.
The Army Formula Explained
The formula is based on logarithmic calculations using circumference measurements to estimate body fat.
- For Males:
%Fat = 86.010 * log10(Waist - Neck) - 70.041 * log10(Height) + 36.76 - For Females:
%Fat = 163.205 * log10(Waist + Hip - Neck) - 97.684 * log10(Height) - 78.387(Note: All measurements are in inches for these specific equations).
How to Use the Calculator
- Select Gender and Units: Choose your gender and preferred units (Imperial or Metric).
- Enter Measurements: Input your age, height, waist, and neck measurements. For females, also include your hip measurement.
- Calculate: The tool will show your estimated body fat percentage and whether you 'Pass' or 'Fail' according to Army standards.
Real-World Example
A 25-year-old male soldier is 70 inches tall, has a 35-inch waist and a 16-inch neck.
- Calculation:
86.010 * log10(35 - 16) - 70.041 * log10(70) + 36.76≈ 19.8% - The maximum allowable body fat for a male in the 21-27 age group is 22%. Therefore, he would Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How should I take the measurements? Measurements should be taken with a non-stretchable tape measure. For males, measure the waist at the navel. For females, measure the waist at the narrowest point, the neck below the larynx, and the hips at the widest point.
- Is this the only test the Army uses? No. Soldiers are first screened using a simple weight-for-height table. The circumference (tape) test is only performed if a soldier exceeds their screening weight.
- How does this compare to the Navy method? The formulas are different. The Army and Navy methods use slightly different logarithmic equations and will produce slightly different results. Both are circumference-based estimations.