AR 600–9 • 16 July 2019
23
Appendix B
Standard Methods for Determining Body Fat Using Body Circumferences, Height, and
Weight
B – 1. Height and weight measurements
The procedures for the measurements of height, weight, and specific body circumferences for the estimation of body fat
are described in this appendix. The weight for height table is listed in table B – 1 followed by the body fat standards in table
B – 2.
a. Soldier’s height: The height will be measured with the Soldier in stocking feet (without running shoes) and wearing
the authorized physical fitness uniform (trunks and T-shirt). The Soldier will stand on a flat surface with the head held
horizontal, looking directly forward with the line of vision horizontal and the chin parallel to the floor. The body will be
straight but not rigid, similar to the position of attention. When measuring height to determine body fat percentage (see fig
B – 1 or fig B – 2), the Soldier’s height is measured to the nearest half inch. When measuring height to use the weight for
height screening table (see table B – 1) the Soldier’s height is measured and then rounded to the nearest inch with the
following guidelines:
(1) If the height fraction is less than half an inch, round down to the nearest whole number in inches.
(2) If the height fraction is half an inch or greater, round up to the next highest whole number in inches.
b. Soldier’s weight: The weight will be measured with the Soldier in stocking feet and wearing the authorized physical
fitness uniform (trunks and T-shirt); running shoes and jacket will not be worn. Scales used for weight measurement will
be calibrated annually for accuracy. The measurement will be made on scales available in units and recorded to the nearest
pound with the following guidelines:
(1) If the weight fraction of the Soldier is less than one-half pound, round down to the nearest pound.
(2) If the weight fraction of the Soldier is one half-pound or greater, round up to the next whole pound.
(3) No weight will be deducted to account for clothing.
c. Scales used for weight measurement will be calibrated annually. The word "calibrated", is intended to ensure the
personnel weight scales used at the unit level for height and weight measurements have been verified for accuracy. It is
not intended to require that unit scales be calibrated by test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment personnel or biomed-
ical technicians. Accuracy of scales will be verified by unit personnel that will be performing the height/weight screening.
This may be verified by using the tare (zero) function (if available), by following the scale manufacturer's instructions for
ensuring accuracy, or by using an object of fixed known weight. Following is an example of using an object of fixed weight
(for example, weight labeled 5 pounds) as means to verify accuracy:
(1) Place an object of known, fixed weight on the scale.
(2) Compare the reading on the scale to the known weight of the object.
(3) If the scale reading differs from the known weight of the object being weighted the scale has a calibration feature,
adjust the scale until the reading matches the known weight of the object being weighed. Once the reading matches the
known weight, the scale is considered to be accurate for the purpose of this regulation.
(4) If the reading differs from the known weight of the object being weighed and the scale does not have a calibration
feature the scale should not be used to determine Soldier compliance with this regulation.
(5) Once accuracy of scale has been verified, affix a label to the scale with name, date, and signature of the individual
verifying the accuracy of the scale. The unit commander will also sign as a witness.
Table B
–
1
Weight for height table (screening table weight)
—
Continued
Male weight in pounds, by age
Female weight in pounds, by age
Height
(inches)
Minimum
weight1
(pounds)
17
–
20
21
–
27
28
–
39
40+
17
–
20
21
–
27
28
–
39
40+
58
91
-
-
-
-
119
121
122
124
59
94
-
-
-
-
124
125
126
128
60
97
132
136
139
141
128
129
131
133
61
100
136
140
144
146
132
134
135
137
62
104
141
144
148
150
136
138
140
142
