Understanding the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP)

The Army Body Composition Program, outlined in **Army Regulation (AR) 600-9**, is the Army's official method for ensuring that all Soldiers maintain a level of physical readiness and health appropriate for military service. A Soldier's body composition is a more accurate indicator of fitness than weight alone. While this page provides a calculator based on the regulations, always refer to the latest AR 600-9 document for official guidance.

How are Measurements Taken?

Accurate measurements are critical. The Army requires that circumference measurements be taken three times and averaged. If the measurements differ by more than an inch, they are taken again.

• Height: Measured in stocking feet on a flat surface, with the Soldier looking straight ahead.
• Weight: Measured in PT uniform (shorts and t-shirt) on a calibrated scale.
• Neck: Measured with the tape just below the larynx (Adam's apple) and perpendicular to the neck.
• Waist (Men): Measured at the navel (belly button), level and parallel to the floor.
• Waist (Women): Measured at the narrowest point of the abdomen, usually about halfway between the navel and the bottom of the sternum.
• Hip (Women): Measured at the point of maximum protrusion of the buttocks, with the tape level and parallel to the floor.

Army Body Fat Percentage Standards (AR 600-9)

The following tables show the maximum allowable body fat percentage by age group and gender.

Maximum Body Fat Percent for Men

Maximum Body Fat Percent for Women

If your results are close to the limit, it's wise to double-check your measurements or try a different method for comparison, like our general Body Fat Calculator which uses the U.S. Navy method.