Army Body Fat
Free Army Body Fat for health & fitness. Enter your measurements for personalized results with clear explanations and reference ranges.
Formula
BF% = 86.010 × log(waist - neck) - 70.041 × log(height) + 36.76
The Army uses circumference measurements (neck, waist, and hips for women) to estimate body fat percentage per AR 600-9.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Male Soldier Calculation
Problem:25-year-old male, 70 inches tall, neck 15.5\", waist 34\".
Solution:Using Army formula for men:\nBF% = 86.010 × log(waist - neck) - 70.041 × log(height) + 36.76\nBF% = 86.010 × log(34 - 15.5) - 70.041 × log(70) + 36.76\nBF% = 86.010 × log(18.5) - 70.041 × log(70) + 36.76\nBF% = 86.010 × 1.267 - 70.041 × 1.845 + 36.76\nBF% = 108.97 - 129.23 + 36.76\nBF% = 16.5%\n\nStandard for 21-27: 22%\nStatus: PASSING
Result:16.5% body fat (PASSING)
Example 2: Female Soldier Calculation
Problem:30-year-old female, 65 inches, neck 13\", waist 28\", hips 38\".
Solution:Using Army formula for women:\nBF% = 163.205 × log(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 × log(height) - 78.387\nBF% = 163.205 × log(28 + 38 - 13) - 97.684 × log(65) - 78.387\nBF% = 163.205 × log(53) - 97.684 × 1.813 - 78.387\nBF% = 163.205 × 1.724 - 177.10 - 78.387\nBF% = 281.37 - 177.10 - 78.387\nBF% = 25.9%\n\nStandard for 28-39: 34%\nStatus: PASSING
Result:25.9% body fat (PASSING)
Example 3: Weight to Lose Calculation
Problem:Male, 200 lbs, 28% body fat, needs to reach 24% (age 35).
Solution:Current situation:\nWeight: 200 lbs\nBody fat: 28%\nFat mass: 200 × 0.28 = 56 lbs\nLean mass: 200 - 56 = 144 lbs\n\nTarget: 24% body fat\nAssuming lean mass stays constant:\n144 = (1 - 0.24) × target weight\n144 = 0.76 × target weight\nTarget weight = 189.5 lbs\n\nWeight to lose: 200 - 189.5 = 10.5 lbs
Result:Lose ~10.5 lbs to meet standard
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Army body fat test?
The Army uses a tape test to estimate body fat percentage when soldiers exceed weight screening standards. It measures neck, waist (and hips for women) circumferences. This 'circumference method' is part of AR 600-9, the Army Body Composition Program.
How accurate is the Army tape test?
The tape test has limitations - it can overestimate body fat in muscular individuals and underestimate in those with less muscle. Accuracy is approximately ±3-4%. It's designed for mass screening, not precise measurement. DEXA or hydrostatic testing are more accurate.
What are the Army body fat standards?
Men: 20% (17-20 years), 22% (21-27), 24% (28-39), 26% (40+). Women: 30% (17-20), 32% (21-27), 34% (28-39), 36% (40+). These are maximum allowable percentages. Soldiers exceeding these are enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program.
How do other services measure body fat?
Navy uses same circumference formula. Marines use similar method. Air Force uses waist measurement primarily. Each service has slightly different standards and procedures. The Army method is most widely recognized.