Introduction
The Army Height and Weight Calculator helps you check if you meet the body composition standards set by AR 600-9, the Army Body Composition Program. Every soldier must pass a weight screening based on their height, age, and gender. If your weight is over the limit, you move to a second step called the tape test, which estimates your body fat percentage using neck, waist, and hip measurements.
This calculator does both steps for you. First, it looks up your maximum allowed weight from the official Army screening tables. Then, if needed, it uses the AR 600-9 circumference formula to estimate your body fat and compares it to the standard for your age group. You also get your BMI and waist-to-height ratio as bonus reference numbers, along with a full step-by-step breakdown of every calculation.
Enter your gender, age, height, and weight to start. Add your tape measurements if you want a body fat estimate. Results appear right away so you know exactly where you stand before your next weigh-in.
How to Use Our Army Height and Weight Calculator
Enter your basic body measurements below to find out if you meet the AR 600-9 Army body composition standards. The calculator will show your weight screening result, estimated body fat percentage, BMI, and waist-to-height ratio.
Gender: Select either Male or Female. This determines which AR 600-9 weight and body fat tables apply to you.
Age: Enter your age in years, from 17 to 65. Your age sets your Army age band, which changes the maximum allowed weight and body fat percentage.
Height: Enter your height in feet and inches. For example, if you are 5 feet 10 inches tall, type 5 in the feet box and 10 in the inches box. If you need help converting height units, our Height Calculator can assist.
Weight: Enter your body weight. You can switch between pounds (lbs) and kilograms (kg) using the toggle buttons above the input field.
Neck Circumference: Measure around your neck just below the Adam's apple. Round down to the nearest half inch and enter the number.
Waist Circumference: Measure around your waist at the level of your belly button. Round up to the nearest half inch and enter the number.
Hip Circumference (females only): This field appears when Female is selected. Measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Round up to the nearest half inch and enter the number. You can also use our Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator to check this separate health indicator.
Once all fields are filled in, click the Calculate button to see your results. Click Reset to clear all entries and start over.
Army Height and Weight Calculator: AR 600-9 Standards
The Army uses a set of rules called AR 600-9 to make sure every soldier stays at a healthy weight and body fat level. This calculator helps you check if you meet those rules before an official weigh-in.
How the Army Screening Works
There are two steps in the Army body composition process. Step 1 is a simple weight check. The Army has a table that lists a minimum and maximum weight for each height. Your age and gender also matter because older soldiers are allowed slightly higher limits. If your weight falls within the allowed range, you pass and no further testing is needed.
Step 2 only happens if you go over the maximum screening weight. This step is called the tape test. A trained person measures the circumference of your neck and waist. If you are female, your hips are also measured. These numbers are plugged into a formula that estimates your body fat percentage. You can also get a detailed breakdown of this step using our dedicated Army Body Fat Calculator. Each age group has a maximum body fat limit. Males range from 20% to 26%, and females range from 30% to 36%, depending on age. If your body fat is at or below the limit, you pass even though your weight was high.
What This Calculator Measures
This calculator gives you four results:
- Weight Screening — Tells you if your weight is within the AR 600-9 table limits for your height, age, and gender. If you are trying to reach an optimal weight for your frame, our Ideal Body Weight Calculator can give you additional guidance.
- Body Fat Percentage — Uses the official Army circumference formula to estimate your body fat from your tape measurements. For a more general body fat assessment using other methods, try our Body Fat Calculator.
- BMI (Body Mass Index) — A common health number based on your height and weight. The Army does not use BMI to pass or fail you, but it is a helpful reference. You can explore this metric further with our BMI Calculator.
- Waist-to-Height Ratio — A simple health marker that compares your waist size to your height. This is not an Army standard but can flag health risks. Our Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator explains this metric in more detail.
AR 600-9 Age Bands
The Army groups ages into four bands: 17–20, 21–27, 28–39, and 40 and older. Younger soldiers have stricter limits. As you move into an older age band, the allowed maximum weight and body fat percentage go up slightly.
How Tape Measurements Are Taken
Accurate tape measurements are important. The neck is measured just below the Adam's apple and rounded down to the nearest half inch. The waist is measured at the belly button and rounded up to the nearest half inch. For females, the hips are measured at the widest point and also rounded up. Each site is measured three times, and the average is used. Small errors in these numbers can change your body fat result by several percentage points.
Important Notes
This calculator uses the same formulas and tables found in AR 600-9, but it is not an official Army tool. Only a certified unit measurement taken by a trained person counts as an official result. Use this calculator to prepare and understand where you stand before your next weigh-in. Soldiers looking to improve their body composition may also benefit from our Calorie Calculator, Macro Calculator, and TDEE Calculator for nutrition planning, or our ACFT Calculator to prepare for the Army Combat Fitness Test. You can also explore related military tools like the Military Pay Calculator and BAH Calculator. For body composition analysis beyond the Army standard, consider the FFMI Calculator or the Lean Body Weight Calculator.