Army Body Fat Calculator

Calculate your body fat percentage using the U.S. Army method.

Introduction

Welcome to the Army Body Fat Calculator! This tool calculates your body fat percentage using the U.S. Army's method, based on height and circumference measurements (neck, waist, and hips for women). It also checks if your body fat percentage meets the Army's standards for your age and gender. You can input measurements in various units, and the calculator will handle conversions automatically.

Height Unit:

Height:

Height (Inches):

Height (Centimeters):

Height (Meters):

Circumference Unit:

Neck Circumference:

Waist Circumference:

Hip Circumference:

Age (Years):

Gender:

How to Use

Select your height unit (feet/inches, inches, centimeters, or meters) and enter your height.
Select your circumference unit (inches or centimeters) and enter your neck, waist, and (if female) hip measurements.
Enter your age in years.
Select your gender (male or female).
Click "Calculate" to see your body fat percentage and compliance with U.S. Army standards.
Click "Save Calculation" to store your results locally.
Use "Reset" to clear all inputs and start over.

Understanding Army Body Fat

What is the Army Body Fat Method?

The U.S. Army uses a circumference-based method to estimate body fat percentage, as outlined in AR 600-9. It involves measuring height and specific circumferences (neck, waist, and hips for women) to calculate body fat percentage using gender-specific formulas.

How We Calculate

We use the U.S. Army formulas, with all measurements in inches:
- Men: Body Fat % = 86.010 × log₁₀(waist - neck) - 70.041 × log₁₀(height) + 36.76
- Women: Body Fat % = 163.205 × log₁₀(waist + hips - neck) - 97.684 × log₁₀(height) - 78.387
The result is rounded to the nearest whole number.

Unit Conversions

The calculator converts your inputs to inches for the Army formula:
- Height: 1 foot = 12 inches, 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 meter = 39.3701 inches
- Circumferences: 1 inch = 2.54 cm

Army Body Fat Standards

The U.S. Army has maximum allowable body fat percentages based on age and gender:
- Men: 17-20: 20%, 21-27: 22%, 28-39: 24%, 40+: 26%
- Women: 17-20: 30%, 21-27: 32%, 28-39: 34%, 40+: 36%
Your body fat percentage is compared to the standard for your age and gender to determine compliance.

Measuring Tips

For accurate results:
- Height: Measure without shoes.
- Neck: Measure below the larynx, with the tape slightly downward in front.
- Waist: For men, measure at the navel; for women, at the narrowest point.
- Hips (Women): Measure at the widest point of the buttocks.
Use a flexible measuring tape and take measurements in a relaxed state.

Limitations

The Army method provides an estimate and may not be accurate for everyone, especially those with high muscle mass or atypical body compositions. It’s designed for general use in the Army and may not reflect true body fat percentage as measured by methods like DEXA scans.

FAQs

What if I exceed the Army body fat standard?

If your body fat percentage exceeds the standard for your age and gender, you may not meet Army requirements. You might be placed in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) to reduce your body fat through diet and exercise.

Why does the Army use circumference measurements?

Circumference measurements are a practical, non-invasive way to estimate body fat. They correlate with body fat distribution and are easier to implement in the field than methods like hydrostatic weighing.

Can I use this calculator for other purposes?

Yes, this calculator can estimate body fat percentage for general use, but it’s specifically designed for the Army’s standards. Other methods (e.g., skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance) may provide different results.

About This Calculator

Built by xAI, this Army Body Fat Calculator uses the U.S. Army method to estimate body fat percentage, with support for multiple units. For official assessments or personalized advice, consult a military professional or healthcare provider.