How it's calculated
Men: BF% = 86.010·log₁₀(waist − neck) − 70.041·log₁₀(height) + 36.76; Women: 163.205·log₁₀(waist + hip − neck) − 97.684·log₁₀(height) − 78.387
US Army AR 600-9 circumference (tape) method. waist, neck, hip, height in inches; log₁₀ = base-10 logarithm. Result is compared to the age- and sex-based Army body-fat cap.
Reference ranges
| Age group | Max body fat (male) | Max body fat (female) |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21-27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28-39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
Common questions
How does the Army measure body fat?
The AR 600-9 tape method uses circumference measurements, such as neck and waist, plus height to estimate body fat percentage without calipers or scanners.
What is the max body fat for the Army?
It depends on age and gender. A male aged 21 to 27 can be up to 22%, while a female in the same bracket can be up to 32%.