Find Your Maximum Waist
To meet the Army standard, your waist (measured across the navel) must be less than 55% of your height. At 5'10", that means a waist under 38.5 inches.
The Full Chart
"Must be under" is the exact limit (height × 0.55). Because a reading equal to the limit fails, the highest passing half-inch reading is always just below it. The last column shows the general-health guideline of keeping your waist under half your height.
| Height | Height (cm) | Army: waist must be | Highest passing reading | Health guideline (0.50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" (58 in) | 147 cm | Under 31.9 in | 31.5 in | Under 29 in |
| 4'11" (59 in) | 150 cm | Under 32.45 in | 32 in | Under 29.5 in |
| 5'0" (60 in) | 152 cm | Under 33 in | 32.5 in | Under 30 in |
| 5'1" (61 in) | 155 cm | Under 33.55 in | 33.5 in | Under 30.5 in |
| 5'2" (62 in) | 157 cm | Under 34.1 in | 34 in | Under 31 in |
| 5'3" (63 in) | 160 cm | Under 34.65 in | 34.5 in | Under 31.5 in |
| 5'4" (64 in) | 163 cm | Under 35.2 in | 35 in | Under 32 in |
| 5'5" (65 in) | 165 cm | Under 35.75 in | 35.5 in | Under 32.5 in |
| 5'6" (66 in) | 168 cm | Under 36.3 in | 36 in | Under 33 in |
| 5'7" (67 in) | 170 cm | Under 36.85 in | 36.5 in | Under 33.5 in |
| 5'8" (68 in) | 173 cm | Under 37.4 in | 37 in | Under 34 in |
| 5'9" (69 in) | 175 cm | Under 37.95 in | 37.5 in | Under 34.5 in |
| 5'10" (70 in) | 178 cm | Under 38.5 in | 38 in | Under 35 in |
| 5'11" (71 in) | 180 cm | Under 39.05 in | 39 in | Under 35.5 in |
| 6'0" (72 in) | 183 cm | Under 39.6 in | 39.5 in | Under 36 in |
| 6'1" (73 in) | 185 cm | Under 40.15 in | 40 in | Under 36.5 in |
| 6'2" (74 in) | 188 cm | Under 40.7 in | 40.5 in | Under 37 in |
| 6'3" (75 in) | 190 cm | Under 41.25 in | 41 in | Under 37.5 in |
| 6'4" (76 in) | 193 cm | Under 41.8 in | 41.5 in | Under 38 in |
| 6'5" (77 in) | 196 cm | Under 42.35 in | 42 in | Under 38.5 in |
| 6'6" (78 in) | 198 cm | Under 42.9 in | 42.5 in | Under 39 in |
| 6'7" (79 in) | 201 cm | Under 43.45 in | 43 in | Under 39.5 in |
| 6'8" (80 in) | 203 cm | Under 44 in | 43.5 in | Under 40 in |
Using centimeters? The same rule applies: multiply your height in cm by 0.55, and your waist in cm must be below that number.
How the Army Applies the Standard
- The limit is strict: the ratio must be less than, and not equal to, 0.55. The Army records it to three decimal places and drops the rest, so 0.549 passes and 0.550 fails.
- Where it's measured: across the navel, with the tape level, at the end of a normal breath out.
- What it's measured with: a non-stretch tape, preferably retractable fiberglass. See tape measure picks →
- A failing reading is checked: before any action, a different team takes a confirmation measurement on the same duty day.
- How often: every Soldier is measured at least twice per calendar year, and commanders can direct a measurement at any time.
- No exemptions by score: no Army Fitness Test score exempts a Soldier, and the tape test can no longer be used to challenge a result.
- At 0.55 or above: the Soldier is flagged and enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program until they meet the standard. Separations for failing it are on hold until a 180-day HQDA assessment is complete.
December 2025 Department of Defense guidance says waist and height are recorded in inches, rounded down to the nearest half inch. The "highest passing reading" column assumes half-inch readings. If your height is recorded half an inch lower than you expect, use that height. Confirm your unit's exact procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum waist for a 5'10" Soldier?
At 5'10" (70 inches), the waist must be under 38.5 inches, because 70 × 0.55 = 38.5. A reading of exactly 38.5 inches gives a ratio of 0.550 and does not meet the standard; 38.0 inches is the highest half-inch reading that passes.
Does a ratio of exactly 0.55 pass the Army standard?
No. The standard is a waist-to-height ratio less than, and not equal to, 0.55. The Army records the ratio to three decimal places and drops any further digits, so 0.549 passes and 0.550 does not.
Where does the Army measure the waist?
Across the navel (belly button), with the tape level all the way around and the reading taken at the end of a normal, relaxed breath out.
Can a high Army Fitness Test score exempt me?
No. Under Army Directive 2026-13, no AFT score exempts a Soldier from meeting the waist-to-height standard, and the tape test can no longer be used to challenge a result.
Is the waist limit the same in every branch?
No. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force use 0.55, the Marine Corps uses 0.52 or below, and the Coast Guard does not use waist-to-height ratio. See the Marine Corps and Navy charts.
Check Your Ratio and BMI Together
Our free calculator shows your waist-to-height ratio against the Army's 0.55 standard and the 0.50 health guideline. Other branches use different rules; see standards by branch.
Open TrueFit BMI Calculator →📚 Official Sources
- Department of the Army. Army Directive 2026-13 (Army Body Composition Program and Standards).
Army Directive 2026-13 (PDF) → - U.S. Army. Army Body Composition Program and Standards: Frequently Asked Questions (effective July 7, 2026).
Army ABCP FAQ (PDF) → - U.S. Army Public Affairs. (July 7, 2026). Army modifies body composition program, adopts waist-to-height ratio.
Army.mil announcement → - Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness. (Dec. 18, 2025). Additional Guidance on Military Fitness Standards.
DoD memo (PDF) →