Historical military body-fat formula estimates
These formulas were used to estimate body fat from tape measurements in a military context. They are shown here for historical reference and do not describe current standards.
General information, not medical advice. This result does not replace a doctor. If in doubt or if you have symptoms, see a health professional.
Result
21.3%Estimated body fat
- Legacy US Army 2023 formula, using abdomen and weight converted to inches and pounds.
Inputs
- Historical formula
- US Army 2023 (historical)
- Sex (for the formula)
- Man
- Weight
- 90
- Abdomen / waist
- 92
How it is calculated
US Army 2023, man: −26.97 − 0.12 × weight (lb) + 1.99 × abdomen (in).
Result
Estimated body fat
How it is calculated
- US Army 2023, man: −26.97 − 0.12 × weight (lb) + 1.99 × abdomen (in).
- US Army 2023, woman: −9.15 − 0.015 × weight (lb) + 1.27 × abdomen (in).
- DoD 2002, man: 86.010 × log(abdomen − neck) − 70.041 × log(height) + 36.76.
- DoD 2002, woman: 163.205 × log(waist + hips − neck) − 97.684 × log(height) − 78.387.
- cm and kg are converted: 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 pound = 0.4536 kg.
Example
US Army 2023, man of 90 kg (198.4 lb) with a 92 cm abdomen (36.2 in): about 21.3%.
Good to know
- These legacy formulas no longer represent current official methods and cannot determine military eligibility.
- They are estimates, not medical measurements or diagnoses.
- The error can exceed 3 to 4 points against a lab measurement.
- For your health, a doctor is the right person to interpret these numbers.
Sources
- US Army, Army Body Composition Program, current method consulted 12 October 2026
- DoDI 1308.03, 2022, Change 1 (2025), supersedes DoDI 1308.3 (2002)
- US Army Directive 2023-11, historical tape method
When to use it
- Recreate two older military tape formulas for historical reference.
- Compare the measurements used by the 2023 US Army and 2002 DoD formulas.
- Do not use the results to check current military standards or assess your health.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tool check current military standards?
No. It reproduces historical formulas and does not confirm current official requirements or fitness for service.
Is the result a clinical measurement?
No. It is a mathematical estimate from body measurements, not a diagnosis.
Why are these formulas described as historical?
Official methods have changed. Check the current rules of the relevant institution for present requirements.