How the Army tape test works
The Army tape test is a field estimate, not a laboratory body-composition measurement. It uses a small set of circumference measurements to estimate body fat percentage when a Soldier needs body-composition screening.
The current one-site method uses body weight and abdominal circumference. The legacy method, still useful for comparison and historical calculators, uses height, neck and abdomen for men, and height, neck, waist and hips for women.
Current Army body fat formula
The calculator defaults to the current one-site method. Measurements are converted to pounds and inches before the equation is applied.
- Men: body fat % = -26.97 - 0.12 x weight(lb) + 1.99 x abdomen(in)
- Women: body fat % = -9.15 - 0.015 x weight(lb) + 1.27 x abdomen(in)
- The abdomen is measured around the navel while standing relaxed.
Legacy Army circumference formula
The legacy method is included because many older Army tape-test references and calculators still use it. This version compares the neck measurement against torso measurements and adjusts for height.
- Men: 86.010 x log10(abdomen - neck) - 70.041 x log10(height) + 36.76
- Women: 163.205 x log10(waist + hips - neck) - 97.684 x log10(height) - 78.387
- All measurements in the formula are in inches.
Army body fat standards
The calculator compares your estimate with the Army maximum body fat percentage for your age group. These thresholds differ by sex.
| Age | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 20% | 30% |
| 21-27 | 22% | 32% |
| 28-39 | 24% | 34% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
How to measure accurately
Use a non-stretch tape measure, stand upright, keep the tape level, and take measurements at the end of a normal exhale. Do not pull the tape tight enough to compress skin.
For best consistency, take each site two or three times and use the same measurement conditions each time. Official Army determinations should be made only through the official process by trained personnel.
Tape test limitations
Circumference formulas are useful because they are fast and inexpensive, but they are estimates. Hydration, posture, recent meals, tape placement and body-fat distribution can all shift the result.
If you are tracking body composition for health or training, use the same method consistently and pair it with body weight, waist measurements, progress photos and performance trends.