Estimate body fat with the military circumference tape method, from height, neck and waist measurements.
What this calculator does
The Army uses a tape (circumference) method to estimate body fat. Enter your height and neck and waist measurements (plus hip for women) to get an estimate similar to the official screening.
Actual service standards vary by age and sex — this is a general estimate.
A worked example
On the values this calculator opens with, the body fat is 16.4%. Underneath, Category comes out at Within limits (most ages) and Method at Circumference (tape) method. Change any field and every figure updates as you type.
How to fill it in
- Choose your sex.
- Enter height, neck and waist (and hip if female), in centimetres.
- Read your estimated body fat percentage.
How the number is calculated
same circumference formula as the US Navy method
(waist and neck for men; plus hip for women)
Common questions
How does the tape test work?
It estimates body fat from body circumferences — neck and waist (and hip for women) relative to height — rather than calipers or scans.
What are the Army limits?
They depend on age and sex and change over time. Check current regulations for exact thresholds; this tool gives a general estimate.
Is it accurate?
It’s a screening estimate within a few percent, not a precise lab measurement.