Army Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Calculator
The Army replaced the body fat tape test and height/weight tables with WHtR. Enter your height and waist to see if you're under the 0.55 standard.
Height is rounded to the nearest 0.5".
The Army takes 3 measurements, each rounded down to the nearest 0.5". Measurements 2 and 3 are optional here, but you need all 3 for an official-style result.
The tape test is gone
Under Army Directive 2026-13, WHtR is the Army's only body composition standard. Height/weight screening tables, the tape test, and body fat percentages are discontinued, and no AFT score exempts you (the 465+ exemption was rescinded). Units must wait at least 7 days after an AFT or CFT before measuring WHtR.
See what changed →Based on Army Directive 2026-13 (Army Body Composition Program and Standards), effective July 7, 2026, and HQDA EXORD 182-26, Annex A
What Changed: WHtR Replaced Body Fat and Height/Weight
Army Directive 2026-13 made the waist-to-height ratio the only Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) standard for the Regular Army, National Guard, Army Reserve, and USMA/ROTC cadets. The Army announced it on July 7, 2026. It is part of a Department of War effort to use the same body composition standard across the Joint Force.
- Height/weight screening tables are discontinued. Weight no longer matters on its own.
- The tape test and body fat % are gone. No circumference-based tape test or other body fat assessment can be used to challenge a WHtR result. DA Form 5501 is rescinded; WHtR is recorded on DA Form 5500 and in ATIS.
- One standard for everyone. A WHtR below 0.55 passes, regardless of age or sex.
- No AFT exemption. The 465+ AFT body fat exemption (AD 2025-17) is rescinded. No AFT score exempts a Soldier.
How the Army Measures WHtR
HQDA EXORD 182-26, Annex A sets the measurement procedure. Two trained NCOs (or trained DA civilians), ideally of the same sex as the Soldier, take the measurements. The Soldier wears socks, PT trunks, and a PT T-shirt.
- Height: in socks, standing straight with the chin parallel to the floor, rounded to the nearest half inch.
- Waist: at the navel (belly button), tape parallel to the floor, starting on the right side. The tape touches the skin without compressing it. Take three measurements and round each down to the nearest half inch.
- Outliers: if one measurement differs from the others by more than 1 inch, take a fourth and average the three closest measurements to the nearest half inch.
- Ratio: average waist ÷ height, recorded to three decimals by truncation. Extra digits are dropped, never rounded up: 0.549888 is recorded as 0.549 (pass), while 0.550 fails.
If a skin fold hides the navel, the measurer marks its location on the outer fold and tapes across the mark. If there is no navel, the waist is measured 2 inches above the hip bone (anterior superior iliac spine).
Maximum Waist by Height
This is the largest waist (in half-inch steps) that still passes at each height. It matches Figure B-1 in Annex A. Add another half inch and the ratio reaches 0.550.
| Height | Max Waist | WHtR |
|---|---|---|
| 58" | 31.5" | 0.543 |
| 58.5" | 32" | 0.547 |
| 59" | 32" | 0.542 |
| 59.5" | 32.5" | 0.546 |
| 60" | 32.5" | 0.541 |
| 60.5" | 33" | 0.545 |
| 61" | 33.5" | 0.549 |
| 61.5" | 33.5" | 0.544 |
| 62" | 34" | 0.548 |
| 62.5" | 34" | 0.544 |
| 63" | 34.5" | 0.547 |
| 63.5" | 34.5" | 0.543 |
| 64" | 35" | 0.546 |
| 64.5" | 35" | 0.542 |
| 65" | 35.5" | 0.546 |
| 65.5" | 36" | 0.549 |
| 66" | 36" | 0.545 |
| 66.5" | 36.5" | 0.548 |
| 67" | 36.5" | 0.544 |
| 67.5" | 37" | 0.548 |
| 68" | 37" | 0.544 |
| 68.5" | 37.5" | 0.547 |
| 69" | 37.5" | 0.543 |
| Height | Max Waist | WHtR |
|---|---|---|
| 69.5" | 38" | 0.546 |
| 70" | 38" | 0.542 |
| 70.5" | 38.5" | 0.546 |
| 71" | 39" | 0.549 |
| 71.5" | 39" | 0.545 |
| 72" | 39.5" | 0.548 |
| 72.5" | 39.5" | 0.544 |
| 73" | 40" | 0.547 |
| 73.5" | 40" | 0.544 |
| 74" | 40.5" | 0.547 |
| 74.5" | 40.5" | 0.543 |
| 75" | 41" | 0.546 |
| 75.5" | 41.5" | 0.549 |
| 76" | 41.5" | 0.546 |
| 76.5" | 42" | 0.549 |
| 77" | 42" | 0.545 |
| 77.5" | 42.5" | 0.548 |
| 78" | 42.5" | 0.544 |
| 78.5" | 43" | 0.547 |
| 79" | 43" | 0.544 |
| 79.5" | 43.5" | 0.547 |
| 80" | 43.5" | 0.543 |
What Happens If You Don't Meet the Standard
- Same-day confirmation: a different team re-measures you the same duty day before the commander takes any action.
- Flag and ABCP: a confirmed WHtR of 0.55 or higher means a flag (code K, non-transferable) and enrollment in the ABCP.
- Medical exam: Regular Army and AGR commanders request a medical exam to rule out an underlying condition. ARNG and USAR Soldiers may request one at their own expense if not on active duty.
- No monthly progress checks: mandatory monthly assessments are rescinded. You are removed from the ABCP as soon as you meet the WHtR standard.
- Separations on hold: units may start separation actions, but no Soldier will be separated until HQDA completes a 180-day assessment and issues further guidance.
When You'll Be Measured
- At least twice per calendar year. Commanders can also direct a WHtR at any time.
- At least 7 days after an AFT or Combat Field Test unless urgent operational needs require otherwise.
- Pregnant and postpartum Soldiers keep their existing medical exemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Army waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) standard?
Under Army Directive 2026-13, a Soldier must have a WHtR of less than 0.55. A WHtR of exactly 0.550 or higher does not meet the standard. The standard is the same for every age and sex.
Does the Army still use the tape test or height/weight tables?
No. Army Directive 2026-13 made WHtR the only authorized body composition standard. The height/weight screening tables, circumference-based tape test, and body fat percentage standards are discontinued, and DA Form 5501 is rescinded. Soldiers cannot use a tape test or other body fat method to challenge a WHtR result.
How is the WHtR calculated and rounded?
Waist circumference at the navel (in inches) is divided by height (in inches). Height is rounded to the nearest half inch, and each waist measurement is rounded down to the nearest half inch. The ratio is recorded to three decimal places and is never rounded up. Extra digits are dropped, so 0.5499 is recorded as 0.549 and passes.
Can a high AFT score exempt me from WHtR?
No. No AFT score exempts a Soldier from the WHtR standard. The 465-point AFT body fat exemption (AD 2025-17) was rescinded.
What happens if I fail the WHtR?
A different team takes a confirmation measurement on the same duty day before any action is taken. If you still measure 0.55 or higher, you are flagged (flag code K) and enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program. Active Component and AGR Soldiers get a medical exam to rule out underlying conditions. Units may start separation actions, but no Soldier will be separated until HQDA completes a 180-day assessment and issues further guidance.
How often is WHtR measured?
At least twice per calendar year, and commanders can direct an assessment at any time. Units must allow at least 7 days between an AFT or Combat Field Test and a WHtR measurement unless urgent operational needs require otherwise.
Are pregnant or postpartum Soldiers exempt?
Yes. According to the Army's ABCP FAQ, existing medical exemptions to body composition standards remain in effect for pregnant and postpartum Soldiers.
Is this calculator free and official?
It is free with no sign-up required, and it follows the measurement and recording rules in AD 2026-13 and HQDA EXORD 182-26 Annex A. It is not an official Army assessment. Only trained NCOs or DA civilians record official WHtR results on DA Form 5500.