Meeting the Army height and weight standards is the very first step for anyone looking to enlist in the U.S Army. These standards are made to ensure that soldiers are physically capable of handling the demands of military service. Failure to meet these standards can disqualify potential recruits before they even reach basic training, so understanding them is truly necessary if you are going to enlist yourself in the US Army. Therefore, this blog post will provide comprehensive information about the Army height and weight requirements, and also its standard body fat in order to help you fully prepare. Now let’s scroll down and discover useful information.

What are the Army height and weight standards?

The US Army height and weight standards are requirements related to physical capability that the US Army demands the recruits to meet before ready to join. Specifically, the weight standard will be accorded to the height, age range, and varies between male and female due to each gender’s physical characteristic differences.

army height and weight standards

Army height and weight standards for females

For female recruits, the US Army height and weight standards are required to be met to ensure that every recruit is able to carry out their duties successfully.

Height: height standards for females ranges from 58 to 80 inches
Weight: weight standards depend on height and age. For instance, if a woman is 28 years old and has a height of 70 inches will have a maximum weight standard is 178 pounds. However, if a woman has the same height but is 26 years old, her weight must not exceed 176 pounds

Army height and weight standards for males

For male recruits, they must also conform to the height and weight standards. Specially,

Height: Male’s height standards ranges from 60 to 80 inches
Weight: Similarly to that of females, the weight standard of men is also decided by their height and age. Particularly, a men is 23 years old and 65-inch high will have a maximum weight standard is 159 pounds.

Height (inches)	Minimum Weight (lbs)	Men (y)				Women (y)
		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
63	107	145	149	153	155	141	143	144	146
64	110	150	154	158	160	145	147	149	151
65	114	155	159	163	165	150	152	154	156
66	117	160	163	168	170	155	156	158	161
67	121	165	169	174	176	159	161	163	166
68	125	170	174	179	181	164	166	168	171
69	128	175	179	184	186	169	171	173	176
70	132	180	185	189	192	174	176	178	181
71	136	185	189	194	197	179	181	183	186
72	140	190	195	200	203	184	186	188	191
73	144	195	200	205	208	189	191	194	197
74	148	201	206	211	214	194	197	199	202
75	152	206	212	217	220	200	202	204	208
76	156	212	217	223	226	205	207	210	213
77	160	218	223	229	232	210	213	215	219
78	164	223	229	235	238	216	218	221	225
79	168	229	235	241	244	221	224	227	230
80	173	234	240	247	250	227	230	233	236

Army standard body fat

The US Army uses height and weight standards to assess whether recruits meet the physical requirements for enlistment. However, when individuals exceed the maximum allowable weight for their height, the US Army also conducts a body fat measurement to determine their eligibility. This ensures that recruits are not only meeting weight guidelines but also maintaining a healthy body composition.

army height and weight standards

The body fat test is conducted using tape measurements of the neck and waist for men, and the neck, waist and hips for women. The Army has specific body fat percentage limits based on gender and age. For example, men aged 17-20 must have a body fat percentage of 20% or less, while women in the same age group must be at or below 30%. These limits increase slightly with age. This approach allows for flexibility while ensuring that recruits maintain a healthy balance between muscle mass and body fat, crucial for military readiness.


Service	Gender	17-20	21-27	28-39	40+
Army	Female	28	30	32	34
Army	Male	20	22	24	26

FAQs

1. What are the Army height and weight requirements?

For women, height standard is from 58-80 inches and weight standard is accordingly from 112-232 pounds depending on your age.

For men, height standard is from 60-80 inches and weight standard ranges from 139-259 pounds depending on your age.

2. Can I join the Army if I’m skinny?

Yes, you can join the Army even when you are underweight as long as you are physically ready for military services. However, if you are significantly under the required weight, you might be asked to gain weight before enlisting again.

3. Can I join the Army if I’m overweight?

If you’re overweight but meet the Army’s body fat percentage standards, you may still qualify for enlistment. However, if you exceed the body fat standards, you will need to lose weight before being allowed to join. There are programs to help recruits get in shape before officially entering basic training.

4. Is there a weight limit for the Army?

Yes, there is a weight limit based on your height, age, and gender. If you are over the weight limit, the Army will measure your body fat percentage to see if you can still qualify. Exceeding both the weight and body fat percentage limits will disqualify you from enlistment until you meet the standards.

Final thoughts

Meeting height and weight standards is a must-pass step for anyone desiring to join the Army. These guidelines ensure that all the recruits are physically fit and ready for the demands of military service. Whether you are already in shape or working to meet the requirements, understanding these standards will help set you on the path to success. Ready to take the next step? Stay informed, get prepared, and start your journey toward a rewarding military career today!

Be sure to explore our resources and take the free Army ASVAB practice test to help prepare for your journey.

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