Frequently Asked Questions

To measure your waist for the official Army WHtR test under AR 600-9 and Army Directive 2026-13:

1. Stand relaxed and erect with your arms resting naturally at your sides.
2. Position a non-stretch fiberglass tape horizontally across your navel (belly button), keeping it parallel to the deck.
3. Take the measurement immediately following a normal, unforced exhalation. Do not suck in or push out your abdominal muscles.
4. Ensure the tape is snug against your skin or PT uniform without compressing the soft tissue.
5. Record three consecutive readings to the nearest 0.1 inch and calculate the average.

The passing waist ratio for the US Army is strictly below 0.550. Calculated as: Waist Circumference (inches) ÷ Standing Height (inches).

Under Army Directive 2026-13, a ratio of 0.549 passes compliance, while 0.550 or above exceeds standards. This threshold is universal: there are no separate formulas or relaxed limits for gender or age.

The Army 0.550 threshold chart allows Soldiers to instantly determine their maximum passing waist circumference by multiplying standing height in inches by 0.550:

• 64 inches (5'4"): Maximum waist is 35.2 inches
• 66 inches (5'6"): Maximum waist is 36.3 inches
• 68 inches (5'8"): Maximum waist is 37.4 inches
• 70 inches (5'10"): Maximum waist is 38.5 inches
• 72 inches (6'0"): Maximum waist is 39.6 inches
• 74 inches (6'2"): Maximum waist is 40.7 inches
• 76 inches (6'4"): Maximum waist is 41.8 inches

Use our interactive 0.550 threshold chart on the homepage to find your exact number.

If an initial measurement yields a WHtR of 0.550 or higher:

1. Confirmation Measurement: AR 600-9 requires a second measurement conducted on the same duty day by an independent certified taping team.
2. Flagging: If the confirmation measurement confirms a ratio ≥ 0.550, the commander initiates a suspension of favorable personnel actions (flag) under AR 600-8-2.
3. ABCP Enrollment: The Soldier is entered into the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP), receives nutritional counseling, and undergoes monthly weigh-ins and taping targeting 3–8 lbs or 1% monthly progress.
4. 180-Day Review Safeguard: Under Army Directive 2026-13, no Soldier will face involuntary administrative separation for failing WHtR during the policy evaluation period.

No. The previous policy that exempted Soldiers scoring 540+ (or 80+ in all events) on the ACFT from body composition taping was completely rescinded under Army Directive 2026-13.

Physical fitness testing (the 5-event Army Fitness Test) and body composition readiness (WHtR < 0.550) are independent readiness requirements. All Soldiers must meet the WHtR standard regardless of high physical fitness scores.

No. DA Form 5501 (the female circumference body fat worksheet) has been discontinued. Because the Waist-to-Height Ratio uses a single universal formula at the navel for both sexes, all Soldiers (male and female) are now recorded on the revised DA Form 5500.

Official records are entered electronically into the Army Training Information System (ATIS) and integrated with DTMS.

Under AR 600-9 regulations, active and reserve Soldiers are assessed for body composition at least twice per calendar year (semi-annually), typically scheduled at 6-month intervals.

Additionally, height and weight screening is mandatory prior to attending institutional training schools (NCOES, OES, Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger), selection programs, or ahead of central promotion boards.

The Army WHtR standards are 100% identical for the Army National Guard (ARNG) and United States Army Reserve (USAR) as they are for Active Duty Soldiers.

All reserve component Soldiers must maintain a waist-to-height ratio strictly under 0.550 measured at the navel. Reserve units conduct assessments at least once annually during drill weekend or annual training (AT), with commander discretion to test semi-annually.