Estimate body fat with the Army tape-test formula and compare it with the standard.
For a 28-year-old man 5 ft 10 in tall with a 15 in neck and 34 in abdomen, the tape formula gives 17.5% body fat — within the 24% standard for your age and sex.
The Army tape test estimates body fat from height and circumference measurements: neck and abdomen (men) or neck, waist and hips (women). This calculator uses the classic AR 600-9 circumference formula and the age-based maximum body-fat standards, and shows whether your result is within the standard.
Army policy has been updated in recent years, so confirm the current rules and procedure with your unit before relying on any online tool — this page is for education. For a general (non-military) estimate see the Body Fat Calculator, and compare with your BMI.
The calculator applies the standard published formulas step by step.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Body fat estimate | 17.5% |
| Screening standard for your age and sex | 24% |
| Result | Meets the standard |
| Height | 70 in |
| Neck | 15 in |
| Abdomen | 34 in |
| Age | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 17–20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21–27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28–39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40 and over | 26% | 36% |
| Case | Body fat |
|---|---|
| Abdomen 32 in | 13.4% |
| Abdomen 34 in | 17.5% |
| Abdomen 36 in | 21.3% |
| Abdomen 38 in | 24.6% |
| Age 40 | 17.5% |
A method of estimating body fat from height and body circumferences, used to screen soldiers who exceed weight-for-height limits.
Under the classic standard, men may have up to 20–26% and women 30–36% depending on age bracket.
At the navel for men and at the natural waist (narrowest point) for women, measured three times and averaged.
Body composition policy has been revised several times. Always check the current AR 600-9 and your unit's guidance.
The two circumference formulas are essentially the same; the standards and measuring rules differ.
It is a screening estimate that can differ from DEXA by a few percentage points.
It uses the published formula: men = 86.010·log₁₀(abdomen − neck) − 70.041·log₁₀(height) + 36.76 (inches) The full method and a worked example are shown on this page.
No. The calculator gives general estimates for information and education. It cannot diagnose or treat anything, so please speak to a doctor or qualified professional about your own health.
Yes. Choose centimetres or feet and inches for height, and kilograms, pounds or stone for weight; the results are converted for you.
No. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing you enter is uploaded or saved.
