Army Body Fat Calculator
The US Army's current body composition check: your waist-to-height ratio against the 0.55 standard of Army Directive 2026-13, with the rescinded 2023 one-site tape body fat estimate shown for reference.
Result…
How it's calculated
Waist-to-height ratio = waist at the navel ÷ height (same units) Army standard (AD 2026-13): ratio < 0.55 Waist limit (must be under) = 0.55 × height Rescinded 2023 one-site tape: male % = −26.97 − 0.12 × weight (lb) + 1.99 × waist (in); female % = −9.15 − 0.015 × weight (lb) + 1.27 × waist (in)
Checks the US Army's current body composition standard. Since Army Directive 2026-13 of 1 July 2026, the Army measures the waist at the navel, divides it by height, and requires a ratio below 0.55 for every Soldier, with no secondary tape or body fat test to challenge the result. The calculator gives the ratio, whether it meets the standard, and the waist limit for your height, in inches or centimetres. For comparison it also shows the one-site abdominal tape estimate from the 2023 method (Army Directive 2023-11, now rescinded), using the published male and female equations. Other services and older AR 600-9 methods differ.
Your numbers, step by step
About the Army Body Fat calculator
This Army body fat calculator checks the US Army's current body composition standard. Under Army Directive 2026-13, signed on 1 July 2026, the Army replaced its height and weight tables and its tape test with the waist-to-height ratio: the waist measured at the navel divided by height, which must be below 0.55 for every Soldier. Enter your waist and height in inches or centimetres to see your ratio, whether it meets the standard and the waist limit for your height. If you add your weight, it also shows the estimate from the 2023 one-site abdominal tape method, now rescinded, so you can compare old and new. The Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force use their own methods. This is information only, not medical advice or an official assessment.
How to use it
- Choose the “Units”: imperial (inches and pounds) or metric (centimetres and kilograms).
- Enter your “Waist at the navel” and your “Height”.
- Optionally choose your “Sex” and enter your weight to see the rescinded 2023 tape estimate.
- Read the waist-to-height ratio, whether it meets the standard, and the waist limit for your height.
Worked example
A Soldier 70 in tall (177.8 cm) with a 34 in waist (86.4 cm) has a waist-to-height ratio of 34 ÷ 70 = 0.4857, below 0.55, so it meets the standard. The waist limit at that height is 0.55 × 70 = 38.5 in, 4.5 in more than the current waist. For comparison, the rescinded 2023 male tape formula at 180 lb gives −26.97 − 0.12 × 180 + 1.99 × 34 = 19.09%, rounded to 19%.
Updated
Questions people ask
How does the Army measure body composition now?
Since Army Directive 2026-13 of 1 July 2026, the only authorized method is the waist-to-height ratio: waist at the navel divided by height. A ratio below 0.55 meets the standard, and a second team re-measures on the same day if it doesn't. The Army Body Composition Program page explains the change.
What is the formula for the waist-to-height ratio?
Divide your waist, measured around the belly button, by your height in the same units. Inches or centimetres give the same ratio, so 86 cm ÷ 178 cm and 34 in ÷ 70 in both land close to 0.49.
Is the Army tape test still used?
No. The 2023 one-site abdominal tape test, the older multi-site tape method and the body fat limits by age and sex were rescinded by the 2026 directive, and no tape or body fat test can be used to challenge a waist-to-height result. The calculator shows the old estimate only for comparison.
What is a common mistake when measuring the waist?
Measuring at the narrowest point or at the trouser line instead of at the navel, or pulling the tape tight. Stand relaxed, keep the tape level all the way round, and read it without compressing the skin. The waist-to-height ratio calculator gives the general health view of the same measure.
Can I rely on this result for an official assessment?
No. It is information only and not medical advice: the record measurement is taken by trained Army staff, standards can change after the Army's 180-day review, and other services use different methods. Talk to your unit, a master fitness trainer or a health professional about your own situation.