How to Measure Body Fat in the Military

Each branch of the military has its own body fat and weight standards, but the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard all use the same method for determining body fat. The Department of Defense (DoD) Physical Fitness and Body Fat Program Procedures requires a circumference-height measurement method to determine an estimated body fat percentage. This method results in an error rate of -/+ 3%.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure, 1/4 - 3/8" wide, non-stretchable, not cloth or steel
• Calculator
• DoD circumference value chart

Instructions

Men

1. Measure circumference of the neck. The tape should be flush with the bottom of the larynx and taut against the skin but not tight. The chin should be parallel to the floor, shoulders relaxed. Round the measurement up to the nearest 1/2 inch.

2. Measure circumference of the waist around the navel. The tape should be flush against the skin, level and parallel to the floor. The individual should stand relaxed with arms at the side. Round the measurement up to the nearest 1/2 inch.

3. Subtract the neck measurement from the abdominal measurement to determine a circumference value:
   abdominal - neck = circumference value

4. Measure height, rounding to the nearest 1/2 inch.
   Height should be measured and rounded up to the nearest 1/2 inch.

5. Repeat and record all of the measurements three times for accuracy.

   Use a DoD-directed circumference value chart such as the one in Marine Corps Order 6110.3 or Army Regulation 600-9. Circumference value is on the left side of the chart. Height is listed at the top. The estimated body fat percentage is listed where height and circumference value intersect.

Women

1. Measure circumference of the neck. The tape should be flush with the bottom of the larynx and taut against the skin but not tight. The chin should be parallel to the floor, shoulders relaxed. Round the measurement up to the nearest 1/2 inch.

2. Measure around the smallest circumference of the waist. The tape should be flush against the skin, level and parallel to the floor. Round down to the nearest 1/2 inch.

3. Measure the hips around the largest protrusion of the buttocks. Tape should be taut to minimize the effects of clothing on the measurement. Round down to the nearest 1/2 inch.

4. Add the waist and hip measurements and subtract the neck to determine a circumference value:
   (waist + hips) - neck = circumference value

5. Repeat and record the measurements three times. Use a DoD-directed circumference value chart such as the one in Marine Corps Order 6110.3 or Army Regulation 600-9. Circumference value is on the left side of the chart. Height is listed at the top. The estimated body fat percentage is listed where height and circumference value intersect.

References

• Army Regulation 600-9
• Marine Corps Order 6110.3
• DoD Physical Fitness and Body Fat Program