US Army Body Fat Calculator
Calculate body fat percentage using the US Army circumference method for men and women.
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% body fat
What is US Army Body Fat Calculator?
The US Army body fat calculator uses circumference measurements at specific body sites to estimate body fat percentage. This method is used by the US military to assess whether soldiers meet body composition standards. It is a field-expedient alternative to hydrostatic weighing or DEXA scans.
How to use
- 1 Select your gender using the toggle.
- 2 Enter your height, neck circumference, and waist circumference in centimeters.
- 3 Women also need to enter hip circumference.
- 4 Your estimated body fat percentage and fitness category appear instantly.
Formula
Example calculation
A 180 cm tall man with a 85 cm waist and 38 cm neck: %BF = 86.010 × log10(85−38) − 70.041 × log10(180) + 36.76 = 86.010 × 1.672 − 70.041 × 2.255 + 36.76 ≈ 16.5%.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I measure my waist for the Army test?
Men measure at the navel (belly button). Women measure at the narrowest point of the abdomen. Take the measurement at the end of a normal exhale.
How accurate is the Army circumference method?
It has a margin of error of about ±3–4 percentage points compared to hydrostatic weighing. It is most useful for tracking changes over time rather than absolute precision.
What are the Army body fat standards?
For Army service, men under 30 must be under 20%, men 30–39 under 22%, men 40+ under 24%. Women under 30 must be under 30%, women 30–39 under 32%, women 40+ under 34%.
How do I measure my neck?
Measure just below the larynx (Adam's apple), perpendicular to the long axis of the neck. Keep the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin.
Can I use inches instead of centimeters?
The formula requires centimeters. If you have inch measurements, multiply by 2.54 to convert before entering them.