AR 600-9 Tape Test DA Form 5500 / 5501

Army Body Fat Calculator (Tape Test)

Estimate body fat percentage using the official AR 600-9 circumference tape test methods. Compare against Table B-2 maximum allowable body fat limits.

Updated with both the 1-site navel method and classic multi-site circumference formula

Policy Update: Transition to WHtR on July 7, 2026

Army Directive 2026-13 transitioned the Army's official body composition assessment from body fat percentage estimation to the Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR < 0.550). This calculator is provided for tracking, historical reference, and DA Form 5500/5501 preparation. Check your official 2026 WHtR result here →

Soldier Tape Measurements

AR 600-9 Body Fat Assessment (Tables B-2 & B-3)

ft
in
lbs
in
in
MEETS STANDARD AR 600-9 Table B-2
Estimated Body Fat
18.7%
Maximum Allowable: 22%
Estimated Fat Mass
33.7 lbs
Lean Body Mass
146.3 lbs
Meets Standard: Your body fat percentage is comfortably below your age group's maximum allowable limit under AR 600-9.
AR 600-9 Body Fat Limits (Table B-2)
Age Group Male Max % Female Max %
17 – 2020%30%
21 – 2722%32%
28 – 3924%34%
40 and over26%36%

Army Body Fat Percentage Calculator & AR 600-9 Tape Test Standards

Under Army Regulation 600-9 (The Army Body Composition Program), body fat was historically estimated using circumference tape measurements rather than laboratory equipment such as DEXA scans or hydrostatic underwater weighing. This army body fat percentage calculator accurately implements both the classic multi-site equations and the streamlined 1-site assessment.

The multi-site circumference test relies on mathematical equations developed by the Naval Health Research Center (Hodgdon & Beckett) to estimate body density and body fat percentage:

1. Male Multi-Site Tape Formula (DA Form 5500 Calculator)

For male Soldiers, measurements are taken at the neck (just below the larynx/Adam's apple) and the abdomen (at navel level):

% Body Fat = 86.010 × log10(Waist − Neck) − 70.041 × log10(Height) + 36.76

2. Female Multi-Site Tape Formula (DA Form 5501 Reference)

For female Soldiers, measurements are taken at the neck, the natural waist (the narrowest point between the lower rib and the navel), and the hips (greatest protrusion of the gluteal muscles):

% Body Fat = 163.205 × log10(Waist + Hip − Neck) − 97.684 × log10(Height) − 78.387

Single-Site Navel Method (Army Directive 2023-11)

In June 2023, the Department of the Army authorized a simplified single-site tape test method measuring exclusively circumference at the navel for both male and female personnel. This reduced taping error across measurement teams and paved the way for the 2026 universal Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) mandate.

Army Physical Readiness Body Standards & Table B-2 Limits

To maintain high physical readiness, Soldiers must remain below the maximum allowable body fat percentages prescribed in AR 600-9 Table B-2:

  • Ages 17–20: Males 20% | Females 30%
  • Ages 21–27: Males 22% | Females 32%
  • Ages 28–39: Males 24% | Females 34%
  • Ages 40+: Males 26% | Females 36%

Army Body Composition Program Calculator & ABCP Enrollment

When a Soldier exceeds either the body fat threshold or the current 0.550 waist-to-height ratio, they are enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP). Utilizing an army body composition program calculator helps Soldiers track the required monthly loss of 3 to 8 pounds or 1% body fat until meeting compliance.

Explore our ABCP Progress & Timeline Calculator or test your current military standing using the Official 2026 Army WHtR Calculator.