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.

Health

↵ to calculate

US Army Body Fat Calculator

Calculate body fat percentage using the US Army circumference method for men and women.

✨

How to use this calculator

👉 Fill in the boxes below and your answer appears instantly — no maths needed, we do it all for you! 🎉

👶

In plain English — what does this do?

🏋️ Your body needs food to move, breathe, and grow — just like a car needs petrol. This tool helps you find out how much food your body needs in a day to feel good and stay healthy!

📌 Direct Answer & Summary

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.

Height (cm)

Neck (cm)

Waist (cm)

Hips (cm) — women only

What is US Army Body Fat Calculator?

How to use it

1️⃣ Select your gender using the toggle.
2️⃣ Enter your height, neck circumference, and waist circumference in centimeters.
3️⃣ Women also need to enter hip circumference.
4️⃣ Your estimated body fat percentage and fitness category appear instantly.

Formula

Men: %BF = 86.010 × log10(waist − neck) − 70.041 × log10(height) + 36.76. Women: %BF = 163.205 × log10(waist + hips − neck) − 97.684 × log10(height) − 78.387. All measurements in cm.

💡 See it in action — a real example

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%.

❓ Common 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.

⚡ Related Health Tools & Calculators

BMI Calculator Body Fat Calculator Ideal Weight