Initial assessment
Below 0.550: the recorded result meets the standard.
0.550 or greater: same-duty-day confirmation is required.
Body Composition / Overview
Army Body Composition Program (ABCP)
The 2026 Army Body Composition Program uses Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) as the Army body-composition standard. A recorded WHtR below 0.550 meets the standard; 0.550 or greater requires same-duty-day confirmation.
The current policy applies Army-wide to Soldiers and also covers U.S. Military Academy and Senior ROTC cadets under Army Directive 2026-13.
2026 standard
2026 Standard at a Glance
Height is recorded to the nearest half inch, waist readings are recorded down to the nearest half inch, and WHtR is recorded to three decimals without rounding.
< 0.550Meets standard0.549 meets the standard; 0.550 does not.
3Initial waist measurementsAn additional measurement may be required when readings are not sufficiently consistent.
At least 2×Per calendar yearCommanders may require additional assessments.
7 daysAFT / CFT spacingAt least seven days between WHtR and AFT/CFT; commanders may modify the interval for operational requirements.
No score exemptionWHtR applies regardless of AFT score.Body-composition requirements apply to all Soldiers.
Tape measures used during an Army Body Composition Program methodology course at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Crystal Harlow · U.S. Army source page · View original image
Official workflow
How WHtR Is Measured
EXORD 182-26 Annex A sets the Army measurement procedure for height, waist placement, repeated measurements, and recording increments. DA Form 5500 records the selected waist average and final WHtR.
01
Measure height
Measure in socks without shoes on a flat surface, with the head level. Record height to the nearest half inch.
02
Measure waist at the navel
Use a non-stretch fiberglass tape parallel to the floor. Take three waist measurements and record each down to the nearest half inch.
03
Check consistency
If one of the three readings differs from the other two by more than 1 inch, take a fourth measurement and select the three with the least difference.
04
Record WHtR
Divide the selected average waist by recorded height, then truncate the result to three decimals. Do not round it.
WHtR = average waist ÷ height
Measure at the navel and keep the tape parallel to the floor.0.549meets standard0.550does not meet the initial standard
If the initial result is high
What Happens at 0.550 or Higher
A result of 0.550 or greater requires a same-duty-day confirmation by a different measurement team before ABCP action is taken.
Confirmation
A different measurement team completes the confirmation on the same duty day.
ABCP actions
When the confirmed result remains 0.550 or greater, current policy calls for flagging and enrollment in the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP).
As of September 18, 2026, no separation actions for WHtR failure will occur until the Army completes the 180-day assessment and issues further guidance.
A high AFT score does not exempt a Soldier from the WHtR requirement.
Policy transition
What Changed in 2026
PreviousHeight-and-weight screening tables
CurrentWHtR replaced the height-and-weight screening tables for ABCP assessment.
PreviousLegacy circumference body-fat tape-test workflow
CurrentWHtR is the sole authorized Army body-composition assessment method.
PreviousAFT-based exemption policy
CurrentA high AFT score does not exempt a Soldier from WHtR.
PreviousEarlier worksheet workflow
CurrentMeasurements are recorded on DA Form 5500 (JUL 2026), with WHtR results entered in ATIS.
Reference tool
Calculate Your WHtR
Enter height and waist measurements to see the recorded WHtR, which measurements are used, and whether confirmation is required.
The calculator applies the Army recording increments, repeated-measurement rule, three-decimal average, and WHtR threshold.
Annex A lookup
Maximum Waist by Height
This lookup shows the maximum recorded waist listed in EXORD 182-26 Annex A for each recorded height under the current <0.550 standard.
Entered as70 in
Recorded height70.0 in
Maximum recorded waist below 0.55038.0 in
0.542 is below the standard. The next half-inch, 38.0 in + 0.5 in, produces a recorded WHtR of 0.550 and does not meet it.
Next steps
Measurement & Preparation
Measurement Guide
See how the Army records WHtR
Review the navel location, height setup, repeated measurements, and DA Form 5500 context.
View Measurement GuidePreparation & Support
Training, Nutrition & Army Support
Track WHtR consistently, build sustainable training and nutrition habits, and use Army support resources when needed.
Prepare for ABCPQuestions
Common Questions
What is the Army body-composition standard in 2026?
WHtR below 0.550 meets the current standard.
Does 0.550 pass?
No. 0.549 meets the standard; 0.550 does not.
Where does the Army measure waist?
At the navel (belly button) using the current Army procedure.
How many waist measurements are taken?
Three initial measurements; an additional measurement may be required when the readings do not meet current consistency rules.
Does the Army still use height-and-weight tables?
Not as the current ABCP body-composition screening standard under Army Directive 2026-13.
Does a high AFT score exempt a Soldier?
No. AFT and body-composition requirements are separate.
How often is WHtR measured?
At least twice per calendar year, with commanders able to require additional assessments.
How is WHtR recorded?
It is not rounded; digits after the third decimal place are discarded.
Official references
Official Army references
These Army publications define the current WHtR standard, measurement procedure, worksheet, and implementation status.
Policy
U.S. Army · Army Directive 2026-13 · Army Body Composition Program Published July 1, 2026 · Effective July 1, 2026 · Verified Sep 28, 2026
Measurement procedure
U.S. Army · EXORD 182-26 Annex A · WHtR Measurement Procedures Verified Sep 28, 2026
Worksheet
U.S. Army · DA Form 5500 · Army Body Composition Screening and Assessment Worksheet Published July 2026 · Verified Sep 28, 2026
Current implementation update
U.S. Army · The full measure: The Army’s new WHtR standard Published September 18, 2026 · Verified Sep 28, 2026
Program overview
U.S. Army · Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) Verified Sep 28, 2026
FAQ
U.S. Army · Army Body Composition Program FAQ Verified Sep 28, 2026
Last verified Sep 28, 2026.