Height Weight Chart Army Calculator

U.S. Army Height & Weight Standards Calculator

Use this calculator to determine if you meet the initial height and weight screening standards for the U.S. Army, based on AR 600-9 guidelines for the 17-20 age group. If your weight exceeds the maximum allowed for your height, a body fat assessment would typically be required.

function calculateArmyStandards() { var heightInches = parseFloat(document.getElementById('heightInches').value); var weightPounds = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weightPounds').value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('armyResult'); var maxWeightAllowed = 0; var message = "; // Validate inputs if (isNaN(heightInches) || heightInches <= 0 || isNaN(weightPounds) || weightPounds <= 0) { resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for both height and weight.'; return; } // U.S. Army Maximum Allowable Weight Chart (AR 600-9, Table 3-1, for ages 17-20) // Note: This is a simplified chart for initial screening. Actual standards vary slightly by age group. var armyChart = { 58: 141, 59: 145, 60: 149, 61: 153, 62: 157, 63: 161, 64: 165, 65: 169, 66: 173, 67: 177, 68: 181, 69: 185, 70: 189, 71: 193, 72: 197, 73: 201, 74: 206, 75: 210, 76: 214, 77: 218, 78: 222, 79: 226, 80: 230, 81: 234, 82: 238, 83: 242, 84: 246 }; // Find the maximum weight for the given height if (heightInches 84) { message = 'Your height of ' + heightInches + ' inches is above the maximum standard (84 inches) for this chart.'; } else { // Round height to the nearest whole inch for chart lookup var roundedHeight = Math.round(heightInches); if (armyChart[roundedHeight]) { maxWeightAllowed = armyChart[roundedHeight]; if (weightPounds <= maxWeightAllowed) { message = 'Based on your height of ' + heightInches + ' inches, your maximum allowable weight is ' + maxWeightAllowed + ' pounds. Your weight of ' + weightPounds + ' pounds meets the U.S. Army\'s initial height and weight standards.'; } else { message = 'Based on your height of ' + heightInches + ' inches, your maximum allowable weight is ' + maxWeightAllowed + ' pounds. Your weight of ' + weightPounds + ' pounds exceeds the initial height and weight standards. You would typically be required to undergo a body fat assessment.'; } } else { message = 'Could not find a standard for your height (' + heightInches + ' inches) in the provided chart. Please ensure your height is between 58 and 84 inches.'; } } resultDiv.innerHTML = message; }

Understanding U.S. Army Height and Weight Standards

The U.S. Army maintains strict physical fitness and body composition standards to ensure its soldiers are ready for the demands of military service. These standards are outlined in Army Regulation (AR) 600-9, "The Army Body Composition Program." The program aims to ensure soldiers maintain a healthy body composition, which is crucial for overall health, physical performance, and professional appearance.

Initial Screening: Height and Weight

The first step in the Army's body composition assessment is a simple height and weight screening. Every soldier is measured for their height (in inches) and weighed (in pounds). These measurements are then compared against a maximum allowable weight chart. This chart provides a specific weight limit for each height, which varies slightly based on age group (e.g., 17-20, 21-27, 28-39, 40+).

• If a soldier's weight is at or below the maximum allowable weight for their height: They meet the initial screening standard and are considered to be in compliance with the body composition program.
• If a soldier's weight exceeds the maximum allowable weight for their height: They do not meet the initial screening standard and are then required to undergo a body fat assessment.

Body Fat Assessment (BFA)

For those who exceed the maximum weight, a body fat assessment is conducted. This typically involves using the "tape test," where specific circumference measurements (e.g., neck and waist for males; neck, waist, and hip for females) are taken and entered into a formula to estimate body fat percentage. The Army sets maximum allowable body fat percentages based on age and gender:

• Males: Max 20% (ages 17-20) to 26% (ages 40+)
• Females: Max 30% (ages 17-20) to 36% (ages 40+)

If a soldier passes the body fat assessment (i.e., their estimated body fat percentage is below the maximum allowed for their age and gender), they are considered to meet the body composition standards, despite exceeding the initial weight limit.

Importance of the Standards

These standards are not just about appearance; they are critical for:

• Physical Readiness: Maintaining a healthy body composition is directly linked to a soldier's ability to perform physically demanding tasks, endure long operations, and recover from injuries.
• Health and Well-being: Excessive body fat can lead to various health issues, impacting a soldier's long-term health and readiness.
• Professional Image: Soldiers are expected to maintain a professional appearance, which includes a fit and healthy physique.

It's important to note that this calculator provides an estimate based on the initial height and weight screening for the 17-20 age group. Actual Army standards and procedures may involve additional factors or specific unit requirements. Always refer to the latest AR 600-9 for official guidance.