What's your body fat %?

U.S. Army tape test method — male and female standards

Measure at narrowest point below the Adam's apple
Measure at narrowest point below the Adam's apple
Males: at navel. Females: narrowest point
Males: at navel. Females: narrowest point
Widest point around buttocks
Widest point around buttocks
How to Measure
Neck: Measure at the narrowest point, just below the Adam's apple. Keep tape level.
Waist: Males measure at the navel. Females at the narrowest point of the natural waist.
Hips (females): Measure at the widest point of the buttocks with feet together.
--
body fat percentage
--%
Body Fat %
--%
Army Standard (Max)
--
Compliance Status

Here's what your result means

Want more insights?

Ask Pulse

Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides general educational estimates. Always consult your prescribing physician or healthcare provider before making medication changes or interpreting results from population-based models.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Standards vary by age and gender per AR 600-9. Males 17-20: 20%, 21-27: 22%, 28-39: 24%, 40+: 26%. Females 17-20: 30%, 21-27: 32%, 28-39: 34%, 40+: 36%.

  • The tape test is an estimate with a standard error of 3-4% compared to DEXA scans. Consistent measurement technique is critical for accuracy.

  • Yes. Anyone can use this calculator to estimate body fat percentage using the DoD circumference-based method.

  • Yes. Toggle between imperial (inches, feet) and metric (centimeters) using the unit selector at the top of the form.

Sources

  1. DoD Instruction 1308.03: DoD Physical Fitness/Body Composition Program. Link
  2. AR 600-9: The Army Body Composition Program. Updated 2023. Link
  3. Hodgdon JA, Beckett MB. Prediction of percent body fat for U.S. Navy. Naval Health Research Center, 1984.
  4. Friedl KE, et al. Validity of body fat estimation methods used by the Army. Military Medicine, 1989.

Methodology

Uses the DoD circumference-based body fat formulas from AR 600-9. Males: BF% = 86.010 x log10(waist - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76. Females: BF% = 163.205 x log10(waist + hip - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387. All measurements converted to inches for calculation. Compliance thresholds are age- and gender-dependent per AR 600-9. Standard error is 3-4% compared to hydrostatic weighing and DEXA.

The Army Body Fat Calculator uses the DoD circumference-based formula: for males, BF% = 86.010 x log10(waist - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76. For females, it adds hip circumference. Compliance thresholds range from 20% (males 17-20) to 36% (females 40+) per AR 600-9.

What else do you want to know?

Ask Pulse anything.

Tape test tipsPassing BF%Male vs female standardsAccuracy