Military fitness programs and some police units still use tape tests instead of calipers or DEXA scans.
About this calculator
Military fitness programs and some police units still use tape tests instead of calipers or DEXA scans. This calculator applies the US Army circumference formulas for men and women from neck, waist, hip, and height measurements in inches.
For men, measure neck just under the Adam's apple and waist at the navel with a level tape. For women, measure waist at the narrowest point and hips at the widest point. Enter height barefoot in inches (70 in = 5 ft 10 in).
The output is body fat percent plus a category label from essential fat through above army standard. Example: a 70 in male with 15 in neck and 34 in waist typically lands in the average fitness range — exact percent depends on the log formula.
This is an estimate, not a medical diagnosis. Hydration and tape placement shift results by a percent or two. Compare with the [[body-fat]] calculator for other methods, the [[bmi]] calculator for weight-to-height screening, and the [[ideal-weight]] calculator for target weight ranges.
Common uses
- ROTC or army applicant checking tape-test body fat before weigh-in
- Cross-training athletes comparing circumference method to scale weight
- Personal trainers documenting client girth changes over a cut phase
- Police or fire department candidates practising official measurement sites
- Home users who own a cloth tape but not calipers
Frequently asked questions
Where do I measure neck and waist for the army formula?
Neck: just below the larynx, tape horizontal. Male waist: at the navel. Female waist: narrowest point between ribs and hips. Female hip: widest part of the buttocks. Pull tape snug, not compressing skin.
What body fat percent does the army allow?
Maximum allowed varies by age and gender in official tables — often near 20% for younger men and higher for older men, with separate limits for women. This calculator shows your estimate and category, not enlistment eligibility.
Why does the female formula need hip measurement?
Women store more fat on hips and thighs relative to waist. The army female equation uses waist plus hip minus neck inside the log term so the estimate matches DEXA averages better than waist alone.
Can I enter centimetres instead of inches?
Formulas expect inches. Divide centimetre measurements by 2.54 before entering, or use the [[conversion]] calculator to convert each tape reading first.
How accurate is the tape test compared to DEXA?
Tape methods typically sit within 3–4 percentage points of DEXA for most adults when measured correctly. Bloating, post-workout pump, or a tilted tape can skew results — measure at the same time of day each check.