What is the maximum allowed body fat in the US Army?
For males: 17-20 yrs: 20%, 21-27 yrs: 22%, 28-39 yrs: 24%, 40+ yrs: 26%. For females: 17-20 yrs: 30%, 21-27 yrs: 32%, 28-39 yrs: 34%, 40+ yrs: 36%.
Army Body Fat Calculator
Calculates body fat percentage according to the official United States Department of the Army Regulation 600-9 (The Army Body Composition Program) circumference standards.
Scientific Formula & Exercise Physiology Standards
Equation: US Army AR 600-9 Circumference Standards | Peer-Reviewed Source: Department of the Army Regulation 600-9 (Effective Army Body Composition Program)
Male: 86.010×log10(Abdomen-Neck) - 70.041×log10(Height) + 36.76
Measures neck and abdominal circumference for males; neck, natural waist, and hip circumference for females. Compares against age-specific maximum allowable thresholds.
Step-by-Step Worked Example: AR 600-9 Male Tape Test (Age 25)
- Circumference diff: 34.0 - 15.5 = 18.5 inches
- Calculate %BF: 86.01 × log10(18.5) - 70.041 × log10(70) + 36.76 = 16.5%
- Max allowed for age 21-27: 22%
Calculation Result: Army Body Fat = 16.5% (PASS - 5.5% below 22% limit)
Clinical Nuances, Limitations & Best Practices
- Tape must be placed level without compressing soft tissue per Army Regulation 600-9 measurement protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions (Army Body Fat Calculator)
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