The Shared Method
Every service screens weight against height tables first. Members over the screening weight receive a circumference-based body-fat estimate, the same DoD equation family used by civilian 'Navy method' calculators.
Men are measured at neck and waist; women at neck, waist, and hips. Height completes the equation, and results are compared with service-specific maximums.
How the Services Differ
Marine Corps: flat 18% men / 26% women at all ages, the strictest standard. Navy: 22–23% men / 33–34% women by age. Coast Guard: 22–24% men / 32–34% women in three age bands.
Army (AR 600-9): 20–26% men / 30–36% women across four age bands from 17–20 up to 40+, enforced through the Army Body Composition Program.
What Happens If You Exceed the Limit
Every service runs a mandatory fitness-and-nutrition program: ABCP (Army), FEP (Navy), BCP (Marines), and weight-management programs in the Coast Guard, with periodic re-assessment until compliance.
These are administrative standards, not health advice, but the same tape numbers also track health risk for anyone, uniform or not.
Sources
FAQ
Which military standard is strictest?
The Marine Corps, flat 18% for men and 26% for women at all ages.
Do all branches use the same equation?
They use the same DoD circumference equation family, but maximums and enforcement programs differ by service.
Can I use these calculators for official screening?
No, official results come from trained evaluators under current service regulations; calculators are educational estimates.
A note before you begin: this tool offers educational estimates only. It cannot replace advice from your doctor or another qualified professional.