How to Pass the Army and Navy Body Fat Tape Test
For military service members, the biannual body composition test can be a source of major anxiety. If you fall outside the height/weight screening tables, you will be subjected to the dreaded "tape test." A single incorrect measurement can mean the difference between passing and failing. In this guide, we explain the exact protocols for measuring your neck, waist, and hips so you can ensure your results are accurate and fair.
Calculate Your Exact Score
Before you get taped, find out where you stand. Use our free army body fat calculator and navy body fat calculator to see your exact estimated percentage.
Table of Contents
The Basics of the Tape Test
Both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy use circumference measurements to estimate body fat. The military uses a standard fiberglass measuring tape. The key to passing is understanding that the tape must be horizontal (level) and snug, but not compressing the skin.
The formulas work by subtracting the neck measurement from the waist (or waist + hips) measurement. Therefore, a thicker neck lowers your final body fat percentage, while a thicker waist raises it.
How to Measure the Neck
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Placement: The tape is placed around the neck at a point just below the larynx (Adam’s apple).
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Posture: Look straight ahead with shoulders relaxed. Do not flex or stretch your neck.
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Tension: The tape should be snug but should not press deeply into the skin. Ensure the tape is perfectly horizontal across the back of the neck.
How to Measure the Waist/Abdomen
The Army and Navy have slightly different rules for where the tape goes on the midsection:
Army (Men)
Measured at the level of the naval (belly button). Keep arms at your sides. Exhale and measure at the end of a normal breath.
Navy (Men)
Measured at the natural waist (the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the navel). Exhale completely and measure.
For Women (both branches), the waist is measured at the natural waist (narrowest part of the torso).
Not in the Military?
The military formulas are highly accurate for civilians too! You can use our standard body fat calculator to track your fitness progress.
How to Measure the Hips (Women)
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Placement: The tape is placed around the hips at the point of maximum circumference (the widest part of the buttocks).
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Posture: Stand with feet together and weight evenly distributed.
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Tension: Ensure the tape is level all the way around and snug without compressing the skin.
Tips for Passing the Tape Test
Because the tape test is a mathematical estimation, small adjustments in posture and measurement technique can significantly alter your final score. Here is how to ensure you get a fair measurement:
- Exhale completely: When measuring the waist, exhale as much as possible and relax your stomach. Do not hold your breath, as this expands your abdomen.
- Look straight ahead: Looking down or up changes the shape of your neck and can alter the neck measurement. Keep your chin parallel to the floor.
- Check the tape level: If the person measuring you is shorter or taller, the tape might angle up or down in the back. Politely ask them to use a mirror to ensure it is perfectly horizontal.
- Know your numbers: Do not wait until test day to find out your measurements. Use a army body fat calculator or navy body fat calculator the week before to see exactly where you stand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the military body fat tape test?
The military body fat tape test is a circumference-based measurement method used by the U.S. Armed Forces to estimate a service member's body fat percentage. It uses a measuring tape on specific body parts (neck, waist, hips) and plugs them into a mathematical formula.
How do I measure my neck for the tape test?
Keep the tape measure level and flat against the skin, just below the larynx (Adam's apple). Do not pull the tape so tight that it compresses the skin. Look straight ahead to ensure the tape is horizontal.
Can I fail the tape test if I am muscular?
Yes. The tape test estimates body fat based on circumferences, meaning it cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. Individuals with thick necks or large abdominal muscles may be falsely flagged as over their body fat limit.