Army Body Fat Calculator
Enter your neck, waist and (for women) hip measurements and we estimate your body fat with the tape method used in military assessments.
This calculator gives general estimates for information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a doctor or other qualified health professional.
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The formula
Men: 86.010 x log10(waist - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76. Women: 163.205 x log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387 (inches).
About the tape test
The US services use circumference measurements because they need a quick method with no equipment beyond a tape. The formula is the same one developed by the US Navy.
The age limits shown here
We compare your result with the long-standing Army limits by age: for men 20, 22, 24 and 26 percent, and for women 30, 32, 34 and 36 percent for the age bands up to 20, 21 to 27, 28 to 39 and 40 and over. The Army has revised its standards in recent years, so always check the current regulation for official figures.
How to measure correctly
- Stand relaxed, with a flat, level tape that is snug but not squeezing.
- Take each measurement three times and use the average.
- Measure the waist at the navel for men, and at the narrowest point for women in official tests.
Examples to check
Type these into the calculator above to see how it behaves. Every result below was produced by the same calculator code that runs on this page.
| What you enter | What you get |
|---|---|
| Male; Age (years): 30; Height (cm): 180; Neck (cm): 38; Waist at navel (cm): 90 | Estimated body fat: 19.9% |
| Female; Age (years): 28; Height (cm): 165; Neck (cm): 32; Waist at navel (cm): 76; Hip at widest point (cm, women only): 98 | Estimated body fat: 29.7% |
| Male; Age (years): 40; Height (feet): 5; Height (inches): 10; Neck (in): 15.5; Waist at navel (in): 36 | Estimated body fat: 20.4% |
Army Body Fat Calculator: frequently asked questions
How accurate is a tape measure estimate?
The Navy method is typically within 3 to 4 percentage points of a DEXA scan for most people. It is better for tracking change over time than for a single exact figure, so measure the same way each time.
Where exactly should I measure?
Neck just below the larynx, waist at the navel (relaxed, not sucked in), and hips at the widest point. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and measure three times to average.
Can I rely on this result as medical advice?
No. It is a general estimate for information only. It cannot replace a check-up, and your doctor can interpret the numbers for your own situation.
Is what I enter in this calculator saved or sent anywhere?
No. The calculation runs in your browser, so what you enter is not sent to our servers. We only count, anonymously, whether a tool ran successfully.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. It is free, needs no sign-up and has no usage limit.
Last reviewed: October 3, 2026