The Navy BCA
The Body Composition Assessment (BCA) is the first step of the Physical Readiness Test (PRT). Sailors who exceed the weight-for-height screening are required to verify compliance using the specific circumference (tape) measurements.
Failure to pass the BCA results in a failure of the entire PFA cycle and enrollment in the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP).
How to Measure
- Neck:Measure just below the larynx (Adam's apple).
- Waist (M):Measure at the navel (belly button).
- Waist (F):Measure at the narrowest point of the abdomen.
- Hips (F):Measure at the widest part of the buttocks.
Max Allowable Body Fat (Navy)
| Age Group | Male Max % | Female Max % |
|---|---|---|
| 17 - 21 | 22% | 33% |
| 22 - 29 | 23% | 34% |
| 30 - 39 | 24% | 35% |
| 40 & Older | 26% | 36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I fail the BCA?
Sailors who fail the BCA are not authorized to participate in the PRT and are marked as failed for that PFA cycle. You will be enrolled in the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP), which includes mandatory supervised physical training and nutritional counseling until you pass the standards.
Can I use the "Single Site" measurement?
The Navy authorizes a single-site abdominal circumference check as a preliminary screen. If you measure less than 39 inches (Men) or 35.5 inches (Women) at the waist (iliac crest), you pass the BCA regardless of weight. However, if you exceed this single-site limit, you must take the full circumference tape test (this calculator), which dictates your official pass/fail status.
Is there an age waiver?
No, there are no waivers for age. However, the standards are graduated by age group. As you get older, the maximum allowable body fat percentage increases slightly (e.g., a 40-year-old male is allowed 26% vs 22% for a 20-year-old).
Tools & Data Verified by the EverydayCalculators Medical Research Team.
Last updated: January 2026.