Army Body Fat Calculator

Estimate body fat percentage using US Army AR 600-9 standards.

Select units, enter age and measurements.

Uses formulas based on AR 600-9. Measurements should be taken carefully according to regulation standards. Pass/Fail requires age input.

Measurement Tips (AR 600-9):

  • Take measurements 3 times and average, rounding to nearest 0.5 inch (or 0.1 cm).
  • **Neck:** Below larynx, tape level, don't slant down.
  • **Waist (Male):** At navel level, after normal exhalation.
  • **Waist (Female):** At narrowest point, after normal exhalation.
  • **Hip (Female):** At widest point of hips/buttocks, feet together.
  • **Height:** Without shoes, standing straight.

Calculating Body Fat Percentage using Army Standards (AR 600-9)

The U.S. Army uses specific circumference measurements and formulas, outlined in regulation AR 600-9 ("The Army Body Composition Program"), to estimate body fat percentage for its personnel. This method is distinct from the general Navy method or other civilian techniques.

How to Use

  1. Select Imperial (inches) or Metric (cm) units. Army standards use inches, but the calculator can convert.
  2. Select Gender.
  3. Enter Age (required to check against standards).
  4. Enter Height.
  5. Enter Neck circumference.
  6. Enter Waist circumference (measured at navel level for both genders according to standard procedure, though this calculator *may* adjust female calculation based on common practice if necessary - double check source formula).
  7. If Female, enter Hip circumference (at widest point).
  8. Click "Calculate Army Body Fat %".

The calculator provides the estimated body fat percentage based on the AR 600-9 formulas. If age was provided, it may also indicate whether the result meets the Army's standards for that age group and gender.

Calculation Basis

AR 600-9 uses specific lookup tables or derived formulas based on the difference between certain circumferences (e.g., waist - neck for males; waist + hip - neck for females) and height. These formulas are specific to the Army standard.

Importance of Measurement Technique

Accurate results heavily depend on taking measurements precisely according to Army regulations. Measurements are typically taken multiple times and averaged, rounding to the nearest half-inch. Refer to the official AR 600-9 for detailed measurement procedures.

This calculator provides an estimate based on the entered values. Official Army body fat assessments are conducted by trained personnel using calibrated equipment and procedures.