Last updated October 10, 2026 · Report an error
The US Army body fat method estimates body composition from a few tape-measure circumferences instead of calipers or a scan, which is why it's widely used for quick, no-equipment estimates.
This calculator applies the official tape-test formula, using different measurements for men and women.
How it works
Enter your sex, height, neck circumference, and waist circumference, all in inches (women also enter hip circumference). The calculator applies the Army's logarithm-based circumference formula to estimate body fat percentage.
- Enter sex.
- Enter height (inches).
- Enter neck circumference (inches).
- Enter waist circumference (inches).
- Enter hip circumference (inches, women only).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
Male, 70in tall
A man who is 70 inches tall with a 16-inch neck and 34-inch waist has an estimated body fat of about 15.5%.
Who should use it
- Estimating body fat percentage for military fitness standards.
- Tracking body composition changes over time using a consistent, equipment-free method.
Industry applications
- Military fitness assessment
- General fitness tracking
Advantages
- Requires only a measuring tape — no scale, calipers, or scanning equipment needed.
- Uses a standardized, widely referenced military formula.
Limitations
- Less precise for individuals than clinical body composition methods like DEXA scanning.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring circumferences loosely or inconsistently, which can shift the estimate noticeably.
- Entering measurements in centimeters instead of inches, since the formula's constants are calibrated for inches.
Best practices
- Measure at the same time of day, with the tape snug but not compressing the skin, for the most consistent results over time.
Tips
- Track the trend over weeks or months rather than focusing on any single measurement — consistent measurement technique matters more than precision on any one day.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with no signup and no limit on how many calculations you run.
It's reasonably accurate for population averages but less precise than calipers, hydrostatic weighing, or a DEXA scan for any individual — treat the result as an estimate.
The formula accounts for typical differences in fat distribution between sexes — women's calculation includes a hip measurement that men's doesn't.
Yes — this calculator uses the official Army formula, which is calibrated specifically for inch measurements, not centimeters.