Army Body Fat Calculator guide
Army Body Fat Calculator: The US Army One-Site Tape Test
Use our Army body fat calculator to estimate your body fat with the US Army one-site tape test formula and compare it with the maximum allowed for your age.
By the AllCalculator editorial teamUpdated 16 October 20262 min read
In 2023, the US Army replaced its old multi-site tape test with a simpler one-site tape test that measures just your weight and the circumference of your abdomen. Our Army Body Fat Calculator uses the new formulas.
How to use the calculator (Army Body Fat Calculator)
- Choose your sex and enter your age.
- Enter your weight in pounds or kilograms.
- Enter your abdomen measurement at the navel, in inches or centimetres.
You'll see your estimated body fat and whether it's within the standard for your age.
The formulas
The one-site tape test uses weight in pounds and abdominal circumference in inches:
- Men: body fat % = −26.97 − (0.12 × weight) + (1.99 × abdomen)
- Women: body fat % = −9.15 − (0.015 × weight) + (1.27 × abdomen)
The abdomen is measured horizontally at the level of the navel.
Maximum body fat by age
| Age | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 17–20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21–27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28–39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40 and over | 26% | 36% |
How the tape test is used
Soldiers are first checked against a height and weight screening table. Only those over the screening weight are taped. Since June 2024, the one-site method has been the only tape method the Army allows.
A worked example
A woman weighing 165 pounds with a 30-inch abdomen: −9.15 − (0.015 × 165) + (1.27 × 30) = 26.5%. That's within the standard for every age group.
Frequently asked questions
Does the British Army use this?
No. This is the US Army standard. The British Army has its own fitness and body composition requirements.
Is it accurate?
The one-site method was chosen because it's simpler and more consistent between testers. It's still an estimate, and the Army can use more accurate scans in some cases.
Can standards change?
Yes. Always check the latest Army regulations for official requirements.
For a general body fat estimate using neck, waist and hip measurements, use our Body Fat Calculator.
Sources and further reading
- U.S. Army: Army publishes new body fat assessment guidancearmy.mil
- Fort Jackson: Army body fat sample calculation (PDF)home.army.mil
Links open official and independent websites in a new tab.
This guide is general information to help you understand your options. It isn't financial, tax, legal or building advice and doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. Figures were checked when the guide was last updated and can change, so confirm anything important with GOV.UK, HMRC, a regulated adviser or a qualified tradesperson.