The US Army has two forms of measure in which they get a general idea of a soldier’s fitness level. The first and most well-known method of assessing a soldier’s physical fitness level is the Army Physical Fitness Test. The second method is the Army Height and Weight Standards, which allows the Army to determine if you are overweight or underweight on their scale.
Even though you can pass a PT test, you still need to be able to meet the height and weight standards in order to join the Army. In some cases, waivers can be permitted, but you will be flagged when entering basic training.
Army Height and Weight Requirements
The U.S. Army’s height and weight requirements are designed to ensure that all soldiers are in optimal physical condition, capable of performing their duties effectively. These standards are a crucial aspect of the Army’s commitment to maintaining a force that is both healthy and ready for the demands of military service.
Height Requirements
The Army has specific height requirements that vary based on gender. For men, the minimum height requirement is 60 inches (5 feet) and the maximum is 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches). For women, the minimum height requirement is also 60 inches (5 feet) and the maximum is 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches). These height requirements are in place to ensure that all soldiers can perform their duties efficiently and fit within the physical parameters of military equipment and vehicles.
Weight Requirements
Weight requirements in the Army are based on a combination of height and age. The Army uses a height and weight chart to determine if a potential recruit falls within the acceptable weight range for their height. This chart is designed to ensure that soldiers have a healthy body composition, taking into account both muscle mass and body fat.
For example, a male soldier aged 17-20 with a height of 68 inches should weigh between 132 and 178 pounds. For a female soldier of the same age and height, the weight range is between 120 and 168 pounds. These ranges are carefully calculated to ensure soldiers maintain a healthy weight that supports optimal physical performance.
Body Fat Percentage
If a recruit’s weight exceeds the maximum limit on the height and weight chart, the Army conducts a body fat assessment to determine if they still meet the Army’s standards. This assessment involves measuring the circumference of specific body parts, such as the neck and waist for men and the neck, waist, and hips for women. These measurements are then used to calculate the body fat percentage.
The maximum allowable body fat percentage varies by age and gender. For male soldiers aged 17-20, the maximum body fat percentage is 20%, while for female soldiers in the same age group, it is 30%. Ensuring recruits have a healthy body fat percentage helps maintain physical readiness and reduces the risk of health issues related to being overweight or underweight.
How to use the Height and Weight chart below
Use the height and weight chart below to see if you meet the Army standards. First, find your height (in inches) using the leftmost column. Then, right next to it you’ll see the minimum weight allowed. To find your maximum weight, go to the column corresponding to your age group. If you are 18 years old, you will look in the 17-20 age group column. There you will find the maximum weight allowed for your height, in your age group.
Male Height and Weight Standards
| Max Weight by Age Group | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Min Weight | 17-20 | 21-27 | 28-39 | 40+ |
| 58″ | 91 lbs. | — | — | — | — |
| 59″ | 94 lbs. | — | — | — | — |
| 60″ | 97 lbs. | 132 lbs. | 136 lbs. | 139 lbs. | 141 lbs. |
| 61″ | 100 lbs. | 136 lbs. | 140 lbs. | 144 lbs. | 146 lbs. |
| 62″ | 104 lbs. | 141 lbs. | 144 lbs. | 148 lbs. | 150 lbs. |
| 63″ | 107 lbs. | 145 lbs. | 149 lbs. | 153 lbs. | 155 lbs. |
| 64″ | 110 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 154 lbs. | 158 lbs. | 160 lbs. |
| 65″ | 114 lbs. | 155 lbs. | 159 lbs. | 163 lbs. | 165 lbs. |
| 66″ | 117 lbs. | 160 lbs. | 163 lbs. | 168 lbs. | 170 lbs. |
| 67″ | 121 lbs. | 165 lbs. | 169 lbs. | 174 lbs. | 176 lbs. |
| 68″ | 125 lbs. | 170 lbs. | 174 lbs. | 179 lbs. | 181 lbs. |
| 69″ | 128 lbs. | 175 lbs. | 179 lbs. | 184 lbs. | 186 lbs. |
| 70″ | 132 lbs. | 180 lbs. | 185 lbs. | 189 lbs. | 192 lbs. |
| 71″ | 136 lbs. | 185 lbs. | 189 lbs. | 194 lbs. | 197 lbs. |
| 72″ | 140 lbs. | 190 lbs. | 195 lbs. | 200 lbs. | 203 lbs. |
| 73″ | 144 lbs. | 195 lbs. | 200 lbs. | 205 lbs. | 208 lbs. |
| 74″ | 148 lbs. | 201 lbs. | 206 lbs. | 211 lbs. | 214 lbs. |
| 75″ | 152 lbs. | 206 lbs. | 212 lbs. | 217 lbs. | 220 lbs. |
| 76″ | 156 lbs. | 212 lbs. | 217 lbs. | 223 lbs. | 226 lbs. |
| 77″ | 160 lbs. | 218 lbs. | 223 lbs. | 229 lbs. | 232 lbs. |
| 78″ | 164 lbs. | 223 lbs. | 229 lbs. | 235 lbs. | 238 lbs. |
| 79″ | 168 lbs. | 229 lbs. | 235 lbs. | 241 lbs. | 244 lbs. |
| 80″ | 173 lbs. | 234 lbs. | 240 lbs. | 247 lbs. | 250 lbs. |
Female Height and Weight Standards
| Max Weight by Age Group | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Min Weight | 17-20 | 21-27 | 28-39 | 40+ |
| 58″ | 91 lbs. | 119 lbs. | 121 lbs. | 122 lbs. | 124 lbs. |
| 59″ | 94 lbs. | 124 lbs. | 125 lbs. | 126 lbs. | 128 lbs. |
| 60″ | 97 lbs. | 128 lbs. | 129 lbs. | 131 lbs. | 133 lbs. |
| 61″ | 100 lbs. | 132 lbs. | 134 lbs. | 135 lbs. | 137 lbs. |
| 62″ | 104 lbs. | 136 lbs. | 138 lbs. | 140 lbs. | 142 lbs. |
| 63″ | 107 lbs. | 141 lbs. | 143 lbs. | 144 lbs. | 146 lbs. |
| 64″ | 110 lbs. | 145 lbs. | 147 lbs. | 149 lbs. | 151 lbs. |
| 65″ | 114 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 152 lbs. | 154 lbs. | 156 lbs. |
| 66″ | 117 lbs. | 155 lbs. | 156 lbs. | 158 lbs. | 161 lbs. |
| 67″ | 121 lbs. | 159 lbs. | 161 lbs. | 163 lbs. | 166 lbs. |
| 68″ | 125 lbs. | 164 lbs. | 166 lbs. | 168 lbs. | 171 lbs. |
| 69″ | 128 lbs. | 169 lbs. | 171 lbs. | 173 lbs. | 176 lbs. |
| 70″ | 132 lbs. | 174 lbs. | 176 lbs. | 178 lbs. | 181 lbs. |
| 71″ | 136 lbs. | 179 lbs. | 181 lbs. | 183 lbs. | 186 lbs. |
| 72″ | 140 lbs. | 184 lbs. | 186 lbs. | 188 lbs. | 191 lbs. |
| 73″ | 144 lbs. | 189 lbs. | 191 lbs. | 194 lbs. | 197 lbs. |
| 74″ | 148 lbs. | 194 lbs. | 197 lbs. | 199 lbs. | 202 lbs. |
| 75″ | 152 lbs. | 200 lbs. | 202 lbs. | 204 lbs. | 208 lbs. |
| 76″ | 156 lbs. | 205 lbs. | 207 lbs. | 210 lbs. | 213 lbs. |
| 77″ | 160 lbs. | 210 lbs. | 213 lbs. | 215 lbs. | 219 lbs. |
| 78″ | 164 lbs. | 216 lbs. | 218 lbs. | 221 lbs. | 225 lbs. |
| 79″ | 168 lbs. | 221 lbs. | 224 lbs. | 227 lbs. | 230 lbs. |
| 80″ | 173 lbs. | 227 lbs. | 230 lbs. | 233 lbs. | 236 lbs. |
Army PT Standards
The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) consists of 3 events: 2 minutes of Pushups, 2 minutes of Situps, 2-mile run. These standards vary based on age and gender, ensuring that all soldiers are evaluated fairly. To look at the detailed requirements based on your age and gender, visit our APFT Standards Page.
Push-Ups
Push-ups are a key component of the Army PT test, assessing upper body strength and endurance. The number of push ups to pass the army pt test varies by age and gender. For example, a male soldier aged 17-21 must complete a minimum of 42 push-ups, while a female soldier in the same age group must complete at least 19 push-ups.
To prepare for the push-up test, it’s important to practice regularly, focusing on proper form and gradually increasing the number of repetitions. Incorporating other upper body exercises, such as bench presses and shoulder presses, can also help build the necessary strength.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups are another crucial part of the Army PT test, evaluating core strength and endurance. Similar to push-ups, the required number of sit-ups varies by age and gender. A male soldier aged 17-21 must complete at least 53 sit-ups, while a female soldier in the same age group must complete at least 53 sit-ups as well.
To improve sit-up performance, it’s essential to practice regularly, focusing on proper form and gradually increasing the number of repetitions. Core strengthening exercises, such as planks and leg raises, can also help build the necessary endurance.
2-Mile Run
The two-mile run tests a soldier’s cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness. The required time to complete the run varies by age and gender. For example, a male soldier aged 17-21 must complete the run in 15 minutes and 54 seconds or less, while a female soldier in the same age group must complete it in 18 minutes and 54 seconds or less.
To prepare for the two-mile run, it’s important to follow a regular running routine, gradually increasing distance and speed. Incorporating interval training and other cardiovascular exercises, such as cycling and swimming, can also help improve endurance and performance.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?
If you don’t meet the Army’s height and weight requirements, you may still have options. The Army provides waivers for individuals who are slightly above the weight limit but can demonstrate good physical fitness and health. Additionally, those who exceed the weight limit can undergo a body fat assessment to see if they still meet the Army’s body composition standards.
Failing to meet the height and weight requirements can delay enlistment or result in discharge if already in service. However, the Army offers support and resources to help soldiers meet the required standards, including fitness programs and nutritional guidance.
