What are the Army height and weight standards?

The Army uses screening weight tables from AR 600-9. These tables specify a maximum weight for each height and sex. For example, a 5'10" (70 inch) male has a maximum screening weight of 199 lbs, and a 5'6" (66 inch) female has a maximum of 156 lbs. These tables serve as an initial screening step — soldiers within the screening weight pass automatically; those over are referred for a body fat percentage test.

If I fail the Army weight screening, am I automatically disqualified?

No. The screening weight is just the first step in the AR 600-9 process. Soldiers who exceed the screening weight are referred for the circumference-based body fat measurement test. Soldiers who meet the body fat standard (e.g., ≤22% for a male 21–27) pass even if their total weight exceeds the screening table. Muscular soldiers commonly exceed the screening weight but easily pass the body fat test.

What is the minimum height to join the Army?

The Army requires a minimum height of 58 inches (4'10") for females and 60 inches (5'0") for males on accession (initial enlistment or commissioning). Maximum height is 80 inches (6'8") for males and 80 inches for females. Existing soldiers who grow beyond maximum height or shrink below minimum (rare) have waiver options. Height-weight standards in AR 600-9 begin at 58 inches.

How often are height and weight checked in the Army?

Per AR 600-9, height and weight screening is required at least monthly during unit physical formations and at semi-annual ACFT testing. Soldiers may also be screened at any time by their commander. Soldiers who are repeatedly near or over their screening weight are often checked more frequently. Weigh-ins occur in the morning in physical training uniform (shorts and t-shirt) after elimination.

Are there different weight standards for different Army jobs?

No — the AR 600-9 height/weight screening tables are the same for all Army MOSs. However, some specialties (Ranger, Special Forces, Airborne) have additional physical fitness and body composition requirements beyond the baseline AR 600-9 standards. Aviation pilots may have additional weight limits due to cockpit constraints. The basic screening table applies uniformly across the force.

What is the Army weight limit by height for females?

Army screening weight limits for females from AR 600-9: 5'0" = 128 lbs; 5'2" = 137 lbs; 5'4" = 146 lbs; 5'6" = 156 lbs; 5'8" = 166 lbs; 5'10" = 177 lbs; 6'0" = 188 lbs. These are the maximum weights for the initial screening step — exceeding these sends the soldier to the body fat tape test, not automatic failure.

Can you be too light for the Army?

There is no minimum weight standard in the AR 600-9 screening tables — underweight is not a disqualifier for serving soldiers under the body composition regulation. However, for initial accession (joining the Army), recruits must meet minimum weight requirements as part of MEPS physical screening. Very low body weight may also trigger a medical evaluation for nutritional deficiencies or eating disorders. The focus of AR 600-9 is on maximum weight and body fat limits, not minimum weight.

Army Height & Weight Calculator

Checks weight against the AR 600-9 screening table by height and sex — shows max weight allowed, pass/fail, and pounds over limit.

Army Screening Weight Tables Explained

This Army height weight calculator checks your weight against the AR 600-9 screening table for your height and sex, showing your maximum allowed weight and pass/fail result. Under Army Regulation 600-9, every soldier is screened at regular intervals using these tables as a rapid initial assessment — a soldier over the screening weight proceeds to the body fat circumference test.

The tables are derived from population data and are designed to be inclusive enough that most healthy, fit soldiers pass without issue. They are not designed to penalize muscular athletes — that is why the two-step system exists.

The Two-Step AR 600-9 Process

Step 1 is the height/weight screening table (this calculator). Step 2 — triggered only if you fail step 1 — is the body fat percentage measurement using the circumference method. Use the Army body fat calculator to see if you would pass step 2 even if you fail the screening weight. Many muscular soldiers exceed the screening weight but have body fat percentages well below the Army standard.

Pass step 1 → No further action needed for body composition
Fail step 1, pass step 2 (body fat %) → Pass overall; no ABCP enrollment
Fail both steps → Enrolled in Army Body Composition Program (ABCP)

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Army Screening Weight Table (Selected Heights)

These are the maximum screening weights from AR 600-9 for selected heights:

5'0" male: 141 lbs | 5'0" female: 128 lbs
5'4" male: 163 lbs | 5'4" female: 146 lbs
5'6" male: 174 lbs | 5'6" female: 156 lbs
5'8" male: 186 lbs | 5'8" female: 166 lbs
5'10" male: 199 lbs | 5'10" female: 177 lbs
6'0" male: 212 lbs | 6'0" female: 188 lbs
6'2" male: 227 lbs
6'4" male: 241 lbs

For all heights from 58 to 80 inches, use the calculator above. Heights are rounded to the nearest inch per AR 600-9 procedures.

What to Do If You Exceed the Screening Weight

If you exceed the screening weight, do not panic. Proceed to the body fat circumference test. Take accurate measurements using the guidelines in the Army body fat calculator. If your body fat percentage is within Army standards, you pass overall. Only if you fail both the screening weight AND the body fat test are you enrolled in the ABCP.

If you are enrolled in ABCP, you have 6 months to reach compliance. During this period, you will receive mandatory nutrition counseling and must demonstrate progress at monthly assessments. Soldiers who make consistent progress and ultimately meet standards are removed from ABCP without further administrative action.

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Fitness Standards Beyond Body Weight

Body weight and composition are only part of Army readiness. Physical performance — measured by the ACFT — is assessed separately and independently. A soldier can pass all body composition requirements and still fail the ACFT, or vice versa. Use the ACFT calculator to assess your fitness test readiness alongside your body composition status.

How Army Screening Weights Are Determined

The AR 600-9 screening weight tables are derived from U.S. population anthropometric data and Army-specific research. They are set high enough that the majority of healthy, fit soldiers pass without needing a tape test — the tables are a filtering mechanism, not a precise health standard. The Army reviews and updates these tables periodically; the values in this calculator reflect the current AR 600-9 publication. For official records, always use the most current Army publication.

Preparing for an Army Weigh-In

Official weigh-ins are conducted in physical training uniform (t-shirt and shorts, no shoes) in the morning. Soldiers should not eat a large meal or consume excessive fluids before a weigh-in, but deliberate dehydration is unsafe and discouraged. Weight naturally fluctuates 2–5 lbs throughout the day; morning measurements after elimination are the most consistent. If you are close to the screening limit, use both this calculator and the Army body fat calculator to know your likely outcome under both steps of the AR 600-9 process.

Sources & References

AR 600-9: Army Body Composition Program — U.S. Army
Army Accession Height and Weight Standards — U.S. Army Recruiting Command
Army Body Composition Program Implementation — U.S. Army Human Resources Command