US Army Height and Weight Standards: What Changed July 7, 2026

If you're searching for the Army height and weight standards, here's the current answer first: as of July 7, 2026, there is no height/weight screening table and no body fat percentage limit. Army Directive 2026-13 replaced both with a single waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) standard: a result below 0.550, calculated as waist circumference at the navel divided by height, with no age or gender adjustment. Check yours with the Army WHtR Calculator.

The rest of this page covers what changed, why, and keeps the old tables available for anyone researching prior policy.

What Changed on July 7, 2026

Army Directive 2026-13 rescinded three things at once: the height/weight screening tables, the circumference-based tape test, and every prior supplemental body fat method (DXA, InBody, Bod Pod). All of it was replaced by WHtR. There's no more two-step process of "check the weight table, then tape if you're over": WHtR is measured directly, twice per calendar year, with no separate weight screening step.

What Replaced the Tables: WHtR

WHtR is calculated as waist circumference (measured at the navel) divided by height, both in inches. A result below 0.550 meets the standard. A result of 0.550 or higher is followed by a confirmation measurement, conducted on the same duty day by a different team; if confirmed, the Soldier is enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP), flagged, and remains enrolled until they meet the standard. The Army is conducting a 180-day review of the WHtR standard: no Soldier will be separated for a WHtR failure until that review is complete and further guidance is issued. A high AFT (formerly ACFT) score does not exempt a Soldier from this: the two are fully decoupled. Source: ABCP FAQ (army.mil)

Historical Reference: The Rescinded Screening Tables

The tables below reflect the standard as it existed before July 7, 2026. They are not a current requirement.

Height Range Covered (Historical)

1. Men: 60 to 80 inches (5'0" to 6'8")
2. Women: 58 to 80 inches (4'10" to 6'8")

Weight Limits for Men (Historical, lbs)

Weight Limits for Women (Historical, lbs)

Body Fat Percentage Limits (Historical)

Current Reference: Target Waist by Height

Unlike the old tables, the current standard has no age or gender columns: just height and waist. For the exact target waist at your height, use the reference table on the homepage or the calculator directly for your precise margin.

Checklist: Staying Ahead of Your Next WHtR Check

1. Use the Army WHtR Calculator periodically to track your trend, not just before an official assessment.
2. Measure your waist at the navel, after a normal exhale, with the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin.
3. Build toward your number with consistent strength training, protein, and sleep, not through rapid weight loss, dehydration, or sodium restriction before a check. None of those produce a lasting change in your ratio, and some carry real health risk.

If you want support beyond this page, Military OneSource offers free, confidential fitness and nutrition coaching for service members and families, 24/7, or call 800-342-9647.

Sources

1. Army modifies body composition program, adopts waist-to-height ratio (Army.mil)
2. AR 600-9 PDF (historical Table B-1 screening weights)