DA Form 5501 at a glance
What it is: The Body Fat Content Worksheet (Female) is for use under AR 600-9.
Who signs: The DA Form 5500 or DA Form 5501 requires two signatures. The first signature is the “prepared by” which is the unit member serving to assure proper placement and tension of the tape, as well as to record the measurement on the DA Form 5500 and DA Form 550 1. The second signature, “approved by supervisor,” should be signed by the commander/supervisor of the Soldier being measured.[2]
A filled-in DA Form 5501 example: a tape test recorded on the worksheet
How to fill out DA Form 5501, box by box
Name, rank, height, weight and age
Enter the NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial) and the RANK.
Enter the HEIGHT to the nearest 0.50 inch, the WEIGHT to the nearest pound and the AGE.
Neck, waist and hips
On page 1, in boxes 1 to 3: in box 1 measure neck just below level of larynx (Adam's apple). Round up to nearest 0.50 inch. In box 2 measure waist (abdomen) at the point of minimal abdominal circumference. Round down to nearest 0.50 inch. In box 3 measure hips at point where the gluteus muscles (buttocks) protrude backward the most. Round down to nearest 0.50 inch. Repeat each three times, then average to the nearest 0.50 inch.
Circumference, total, height and percent body fat
A. Enter average waist circumference.
B. Enter average hip circumference.
C. TOTAL (4A + 4B).
D. Enter average neck circumference.
E. Enter circumference value (4C - 4D).
F. Enter height in inches to the nearest 0.50 inch.
G. Find the Soldier's circumference value (line 4E) and height (line 4F) in Figure B-2 (Percent Fat Estimation for Women). Enter the body fat value that intercepts with the circumference value and height. This is the Soldier's Percent Body Fat.
Check all that apply
Mark Individual is in compliance with Army Standards, or mark Is not in compliance with the standards; the recommended monthly weight loss is 3-8 lbs. or 1% body fat.
Prepared by and approved by supervisor
Under PREPARED BY and APPROVED BY SUPERVISOR, enter the printed name and signature, the RANK and the DATE (YYYYMMDD) of each.
Part 2: abdomen, weight factor, body fat percentage, check all that apply and prepared by
Soldier scored a 540 or higher on the ACFT and is exempt from the body fat assessment. Enter the Preparer's Initials when the Soldier scored a 540 or higher on the ACFT.
Measure abdomen at the level of the navel (belly button.) Round down to the nearest 0.50 inch. Then repeat three times and average to the nearest 0.50 inch. Enter the average abdominal circumference.
Weight factor. Enter the weight to the nearest pound.
Determine percent body fat by finding Soldier's abdominal circumference value (value listed in STEP 2) and weight in pounds (value listed in STEP 3) in AR 600-9 figure B-2. The percent body fat is the value that intercepts with abdominal circumference value and weight in pounds as listed in AR 600-9 figure B-2. This is the Soldier's PERCENT BODY FAT.
Calculate body fat percentage. See AR 600-9 Table B-5 for sample body fat calculations. Body Fat % = -9.15 - (0.015 x body weight in pounds) + (1.27 x abdomen circumference in inches)
Supplemental Body Fat Assessment results, if applicable.
Enter the Name and the Location/Facility of Authorized Supplemental Body Fat Assessment Machine/Equipment.
Mark Individual is in compliance with Army Standards.
Mark Is not in compliance with the standards; the recommended monthly weight loss is 3-8 lbs. or 1% body fat.
PREPARED BY and APPROVED BY SUPERVISOR each get the printed name and signature, RANK and DATE (YYYYMMDD).
More rules for DA Form 5501
DISCLOSURE: Voluntary. However, failure to complete this form with the information requested impedes the effective management of care and support required by the procedures of the Army's Body Composition Program.
Common questions about DA Form 5501
What is a DA form 5501?
The Body Fat Content Worksheet (Female) is for use under AR 600-9. It also provides a means for Soldier's use of the one site circumference-based tape test and the supplemental body fat assessment.
What is the Army standard for body fat?
AR 600-9 Table B-2 maximum allowable percent body fat standards, Female (% body fat): age group 17-20: 30%; age group 21-27: 32%; age group 28-39: 34%; age group 40 and older: 36%.
Sources
[1] DA Form 5501 (JUN 2023), Body Fat Content Worksheet (Female), U.S. Army (the Official source link on this page).
[2] armypubs.army.mil, submission_method. Accessed October 19, 2026.