Navy Body Composition Assessment (BCA) Calculator
Body Fat: 24.5% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Result | Status | |
| Overall BCA | 24.5% Body Fat | PASS |
| Height/Weight Screen | 200 lbs | FAIL |
| Abdominal Circumference | 38.0 in | PASS |
| Body Fat Percentage | 24.5% | PASS |
| Max Allowable Fat (Age 25) | 26% | |
| Height | 70 inches | |
| Weight | 200 lbs | |
| BMI | 28.7 | |
| Date of Test | Aug. 2025 | |
Body Fat Standards
| Age Group | Male Max Body Fat % | Female Max Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 22% | 33% |
| 22-29 | 23% | 34% |
| 30-39 | 24% | 35% |
| 40+ | 26% | 36% |
The Navy Body Composition Assessment (BCA) Calculator estimates your body fat percentage according to U.S. Navy standards. It helps determine if a service member meets the physical readiness requirements. This calculator is for unofficial informational purposes only.
The Navy Body Composition Assessment (BCA)
The BCA is a critical component of the Navy's Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). Its purpose is to ensure that sailors maintain a healthy body composition, which is essential for mission readiness and long-term health. The BCA is a multi-step process designed to accurately assess a member's physical standing.
BCA Components
The BCA consists of up to three sequential steps. A member must only pass one of these steps to be considered within standards.
- Step 1: Weight for Height Screening—This is the initial screening. Each member's weight is compared against a standard height-weight chart. If the member's weight is at or below the maximum allowed weight for their height, they pass the BCA, and no further measurements are needed.
- Step 2: Abdominal Circumference (AC) Measurement—If a member exceeds the weight for height standard, they proceed to the AC measurement. This is a single circumference measurement taken at the navel.
- For males, the AC must not exceed 39.0 inches.
- For females, the AC must not exceed 35.5 inches.
- Step 3: Body Fat Percentage Calculation—If a member fails both the height/weight screen and the AC measurement, their body fat percentage is calculated using the circumference "tape" method. Measurements of the neck, waist, and (for females) hips are used in a specific formula to estimate body fat. This final value is then compared to the maximum allowable body fat percentage for the member's age and gender.
Body Fat Calculation Formulas
The formulas used in Step 3 are based on research by the Naval Health Research Center and are as follows:
Male Body Fat % Formula:
%Fat = 86.010 * log10(Waist - Neck) - 70.041 * log10(Height) + 36.76
Female Body Fat % Formula:
%Fat = 163.205 * log10(Waist + Hips - Neck) - 97.684 * log10(Height) - 78.387
In these formulas, all circumference measurements and height are in inches.
Understanding Your Results
The calculator provides a clear PASS or FAIL result based on the data you enter. It will show the results for each stage of the assessment.
- PASS: Indicates that you meet the Navy's body composition standards. If you pass an earlier step (e.g., Height/Weight), the subsequent steps are not required, but the calculator may show the results for informational purposes.
- FAIL: Indicates that you do not meet the standards based on the provided measurements. Failing the BCA can have administrative consequences and often leads to mandatory participation in a fitness enhancement program.
Importance of Meeting Standards
Maintaining body composition standards is not just about regulations; it is directly linked to a sailor's physical performance, health, and ability to perform their duties effectively. A healthy body composition reduces the risk of injury and chronic diseases, ensuring a fit and ready fighting force.