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Navy BCA Calculator

Body Composition Assessment using the Navy two-step waist-to-height and body composition method.

Data current as of June 2026

Loading BCA standards data...

Inputs

Male or Female body fat limit.

Measured weight in pounds.

Measured height in inches.

Umbilicus waist measurement in inches.

Rounding is applied automatically: height up, waist down to the nearest half inch; weight to the nearest pound.

Results

Step 1
Waist-to-Height
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Height- in
Waist- in
Max waist- in
Step 2
Body Composition
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Weight- lb
Height-waist- in
Limit26%
Overall BCA

Enter height, waist, and weight.

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Decision Path
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Standard
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How the Navy BCA works

The Body Composition Assessment is the first half of the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment, taken before the PRT. Since 2023 it uses a two-step method based on height, weight, and a single waist measurement at the navel.

Step 1 — waist-to-height ratio

Your rounded waist divided by your rounded height must be 0.5499 or less. Rounding favors the member: height rounds up to the nearest half inch, waist rounds down to the nearest half inch. Pass Step 1 and the BCA is complete — Step 2 isn't required.

Step 2 — body composition tables

If the ratio exceeds 0.5499, your body fat percentage is read from the Guide-4 tables using rounded weight and the height-minus-waist difference. The limit is 26% for men and 36% for women. Combinations outside the table range are resolved by PRIMS with the official formula.

A BCA failure enrolls you in the Fitness Enhancement Program and counts as a PFA failure for the cycle. Tables and rules come from Guide-4 Dec 2025 under OPNAVINST 6110.1L — official measurements are taken by trained personnel and recorded in PRIMS.

FAQs

What are the BCA steps?

Step 1 is the waist-to-height ratio screen: rounded waist divided by rounded height must be 0.5499 or less. If you exceed it, Step 2 estimates body fat from your weight and height-minus-waist difference, compared to the 26% (male) or 36% (female) limit.

How are BCA measurements rounded?

Height rounds up to the nearest half inch, waist rounds down to the nearest half inch, and weight rounds to the nearest pound — the roundings work in the member's favor by rule.

What happens if I fail the BCA?

A BCA failure means enrollment in the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) and counts as a PFA failure for the cycle. The PRT is still administered per current guidance — see your command fitness leader and the current OPNAVINST.

Are these results official?

No. Official measurements are taken by trained personnel and recorded in PRIMS. Use this tool for planning and verify with the latest Guide-4 and NAVADMIN guidance.