Army Body Fat Calculator (Method)
Estimate body fat percentage using the US Army "tape test" method based on circumference measurements. AR 600-9 standard.
Inputs
Body fat (Army tape method)
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AR 600-9 result
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Age-group limit
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Margin vs limit
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Fitness category
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About Army Body Fat Calculator (Method)
How accurate is the tape method?
Generally within ±3-5% vs DEXA scan. Tape tests overestimate for very muscular individuals and underestimate for skinny-fat builds. Used by Army for simplicity, not precision.
Measurement tips
Measure on bare skin, breathing normally. Tape should sit flat and snug. Take three measurements and average. Time of day matters; morning is most consistent.
AR 600-9 alternatives
As of 2023, soldiers can opt for DEXA, BodPod, or InBody if they fail tape. The "1-site" tape method replaced older 3-site for men in 2024.