Army height and weight standards serve as the first checkpoint in determining whether you meet the Army’s body composition requirements. Think of it as a quick screening test, if you’re within these limits, you’re good to go. If you exceed the weight limit for your height, don’t panic! You’ll simply move to the next step: a body fat assessment using the tape measure method.
These standards aren’t arbitrary numbers. They’re carefully calculated to ensure soldiers can perform their duties effectively while maintaining good health. The Army recognizes that people come in different shapes and sizes, which is why exceeding height-weight standards doesn’t automatically disqualify you, it just means you need a more detailed assessment.
How the Screening Works
The Process is Simple:
- Height Measurement: Taken in stocking feet (no shoes), wearing PT uniform
- Weight Measurement: Also in PT uniform, recorded to the nearest pound
- Table Comparison: Your measurements are compared to the standards for your age group
- Results: Pass the table = you’re done. Exceed the weight = body fat assessment required
Male Height and Weight Standards
| Height | Minimum Weight | Maximum Weight by Age Group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 21-27 | 28-39 | 40+ | ||
| 5’0″ (60″) | 97 lbs | 132 lbs | 136 lbs | 139 lbs | 141 lbs |
| 5’1″ (61″) | 100 lbs | 136 lbs | 140 lbs | 144 lbs | 146 lbs |
| 5’2″ (62″) | 104 lbs | 141 lbs | 144 lbs | 148 lbs | 150 lbs |
| 5’3″ (63″) | 107 lbs | 145 lbs | 149 lbs | 153 lbs | 155 lbs |
| 5’4″ (64″) | 110 lbs | 150 lbs | 154 lbs | 158 lbs | 160 lbs |
| 5’5″ (65″) | 114 lbs | 155 lbs | 159 lbs | 163 lbs | 165 lbs |
| 5’6″ (66″) | 117 lbs | 160 lbs | 163 lbs | 168 lbs | 170 lbs |
| 5’7″ (67″) | 121 lbs | 165 lbs | 169 lbs | 174 lbs | 176 lbs |
| 5’8″ (68″) | 125 lbs | 170 lbs | 174 lbs | 179 lbs | 181 lbs |
| 5’9″ (69″) | 128 lbs | 175 lbs | 179 lbs | 184 lbs | 186 lbs |
| 5’10” (70″) | 132 lbs | 180 lbs | 185 lbs | 189 lbs | 192 lbs |
| 5’11” (71″) | 136 lbs | 185 lbs | 189 lbs | 194 lbs | 197 lbs |
| 6’0″ (72″) | 140 lbs | 190 lbs | 195 lbs | 200 lbs | 203 lbs |
| 6’1″ (73″) | 144 lbs | 195 lbs | 200 lbs | 205 lbs | 208 lbs |
| 6’2″ (74″) | 148 lbs | 201 lbs | 206 lbs | 211 lbs | 214 lbs |
| 6’3″ (75″) | 152 lbs | 206 lbs | 212 lbs | 217 lbs | 220 lbs |
| 6’4″ (76″) | 156 lbs | 212 lbs | 217 lbs | 223 lbs | 226 lbs |
| 6’5″ (77″) | 160 lbs | 218 lbs | 223 lbs | 229 lbs | 232 lbs |
| 6’6″ (78″) | 164 lbs | 223 lbs | 229 lbs | 235 lbs | 238 lbs |
| 6’7″ (79″) | 168 lbs | 229 lbs | 235 lbs | 241 lbs | 244 lbs |
| 6’8″ (80″) | 173 lbs | 234 lbs | 240 lbs | 247 lbs | 250 lbs |
Female Height and Weight Standards
| Height | Minimum Weight | Maximum Weight by Age Group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-20 | 21-27 | 28-39 | 40+ | ||
| 4’10” (58″) | 91 lbs | 119 lbs | 121 lbs | 122 lbs | 124 lbs |
| 4’11” (59″) | 94 lbs | 124 lbs | 125 lbs | 126 lbs | 128 lbs |
| 5’0″ (60″) | 97 lbs | 128 lbs | 129 lbs | 131 lbs | 133 lbs |
| 5’1″ (61″) | 100 lbs | 132 lbs | 134 lbs | 135 lbs | 137 lbs |
| 5’2″ (62″) | 104 lbs | 136 lbs | 138 lbs | 140 lbs | 142 lbs |
| 5’3″ (63″) | 107 lbs | 141 lbs | 143 lbs | 144 lbs | 146 lbs |
| 5’4″ (64″) | 110 lbs | 145 lbs | 147 lbs | 149 lbs | 151 lbs |
| 5’5″ (65″) | 114 lbs | 150 lbs | 152 lbs | 154 lbs | 156 lbs |
| 5’6″ (66″) | 117 lbs | 155 lbs | 156 lbs | 158 lbs | 161 lbs |
| 5’7″ (67″) | 121 lbs | 159 lbs | 161 lbs | 163 lbs | 166 lbs |
| 5’8″ (68″) | 125 lbs | 164 lbs | 166 lbs | 168 lbs | 171 lbs |
| 5’9″ (69″) | 128 lbs | 169 lbs | 171 lbs | 173 lbs | 176 lbs |
| 5’10” (70″) | 132 lbs | 174 lbs | 176 lbs | 178 lbs | 181 lbs |
| 5’11” (71″) | 136 lbs | 179 lbs | 181 lbs | 183 lbs | 186 lbs |
| 6’0″ (72″) | 140 lbs | 184 lbs | 186 lbs | 188 lbs | 191 lbs |
| 6’1″ (73″) | 144 lbs | 189 lbs | 191 lbs | 194 lbs | 197 lbs |
| 6’2″ (74″) | 148 lbs | 194 lbs | 197 lbs | 199 lbs | 202 lbs |
| 6’3″ (75″) | 152 lbs | 200 lbs | 202 lbs | 204 lbs | 208 lbs |
| 6’4″ (76″) | 156 lbs | 205 lbs | 207 lbs | 210 lbs | 213 lbs |
| 6’5″ (77″) | 160 lbs | 210 lbs | 213 lbs | 215 lbs | 219 lbs |
| 6’6″ (78″) | 164 lbs | 216 lbs | 218 lbs | 221 lbs | 225 lbs |
| 6’7″ (79″) | 168 lbs | 221 lbs | 224 lbs | 227 lbs | 230 lbs |
| 6’8″ (80″) | 173 lbs | 227 lbs | 230 lbs | 233 lbs | 236 lbs |
Important Notes:
- Height is rounded to the nearest inch for table comparison
- Weight includes no deductions for clothing
- Scales must be calibrated annually for accuracy
- Anyone below minimum weight requires immediate medical evaluation
How to Use These Tables
- Step 1: Find your height in the left column
- Step 2: Check the minimum weight to ensure you’re not underweight
- Step 3: Look across to your age group column for your maximum allowable weight
- Step 4: Compare your current weight to these numbers
Quick Example:
- Male, 25 years old, 5’10”: Maximum weight = 185 lbs
- Female, 30 years old, 5’6″: Maximum weight = 158 lbs
- Male, 45 years old, 6’2″: Maximum weight = 214 lbs
What Do These Numbers Mean for You?
If You’re Within Standards
Congratulations! You meet the Army’s height and weight requirements for your age group. You won’t need a body fat assessment, and you’re good for this screening period.
If You Exceed the Weight Limit
Don’t worry, this isn’t the end of the story. Many fit, muscular soldiers exceed these weight limits due to muscle mass. You’ll simply proceed to a body fat assessment using the tape measure method. Remember, these are just screening numbers, not final determinations of your fitness.
If You’re Below Minimum Weight
This requires immediate medical evaluation to ensure there are no underlying health concerns affecting your weight.
Key Observations from the Tables
- Progressive Increase: Notice how maximum weights increase with age across all heights
- Height Impact: Taller individuals have significantly higher weight allowances
- Gender Differences: Male standards are consistently higher than female standards
- Age Consideration: The Army recognizes that body composition naturally changes with age
Special Considerations
For Heights Over 6’8″ (80 inches):
- Males: Add 6 pounds per inch above 80″
- Females: Add 5 pounds per inch above 80″
Example: A 6’10” (82-inch) male aged 25 would have a maximum weight of 252 pounds (240 + 12 pounds for the extra 2 inches).
Practical Tips for Success
- Know Your Target: Find your row and column, then memorize that number
- Build in Buffer: Aim to stay 5-10 pounds below your maximum to avoid last-minute stress
- Regular Monitoring: Check your weight weekly using a calibrated scale
- Age Awareness: Your allowance increases as you age, but don’t rely on this for long-term weight management
- Focus on Fitness: These are minimum standards—optimal performance usually comes from being well within limits
The Bottom Line
These consolidated tables make it easy to quickly find your specific height and weight requirements. Whether you’re a new recruit checking if you meet entry standards or a seasoned soldier preparing for your annual assessment, these numbers provide clear, objective targets for maintaining Army readiness standards.