Ultimate ACFT Calculator & Army Fitness Standards Guide by Age

The U.S. Army’s standard for evaluating soldiers’ physical preparedness is the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), which took the place of the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) in 2022. Knowing the ACFT, its requirements, and how to determine your score is essential whether you’re a recruit,

soldier, or fitness enthusiast. To help you succeed on Army fitness tests, we’ll go over the APFT calculator, Army ACFT standards, ACFT calculator, and age-based fitness requirements in this  guide.

What is the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)?

A thorough fitness test called the ACFT was created to get soldiers ready for the physical demands of battle. The ACFT consists of six events that assess strength, endurance, agility, and power, in contrast to the APFT, which concentrated on push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. It’s a more rigorous, comprehensive test that guarantees soldiers are prepared for battle.

Why the ACFT Matters

  • Combat Readiness: Simulates real-world tasks like lifting equipment or dragging a wounded comrade.
  • Fair Standards: Adjusted for age and gender to ensure equity.
  • Career Impact: Passing the ACFT is mandatory for soldiers to advance.

The Six ACFT Events Explained

Here’s a breakdown of the six ACFT events, optimized for keywords like “Army fitness test standards”:

  1. Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
    • What It Tests: Lower-body strength.
    • How It Works: Lift a 60-pound hex bar with added weight for three reps.
    • Example: A 25-year-old soldier lifting 340 pounds scores 100 points.
    • SEO Tip: Deadlift performance is a key metric for “Army ACFT standards.”
  2. Standing Power Throw (SPT)
    • What It Tests: Explosive power.
    • How It Works: Throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward overhead for distance.
    • Example: A 12.5-meter throw earns a high score for most age groups.
  3. Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRP)
    • What It Tests: Upper-body and core endurance.
    • How It Works: Perform push-ups with hand releases in two minutes.
    • Example: 40 reps meet the minimum for many soldiers.
  4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
    • What It Tests: Agility, speed, and muscular endurance.
    • How It Works: Complete a series of sprints, a 90-pound sled drag, and 40-pound kettlebell carries.
    • Example: Finishing in under 1:40 is competitive.
  5. Plank
    • What It Tests: Core strength.
    • How It Works: Hold a plank for as long as possible.
    • Example: A 3:20 plank may score 100 points.
  6. Two-Mile Run (2MR)
    • What It Tests: Aerobic endurance.
    • How It Works: Run two miles as fast as possible.
    • Example: A 15:00 run meets moderate standards for younger soldiers.

ACFT Standards: Scoring and Requirements

The ACFT is scored on a 600-point scale, with each event worth up to 100 points. To pass, soldiers must score at least 60 points per event (360 total). Standards vary by:

  • Age: Younger soldiers (17-26) face stricter benchmarks than older ones (42+).
  • Gender: Slight adjustments account for physiological differences.

For example:

  • A 22-year-old male needs a 340-pound deadlift for 100 points, while a 45-year-old female needs 200 pounds for the same score.
  • A 17:00 two-mile run might pass for a 50-year-old but fail for a 20-year-old.

These “Army fitness requirements by age” ensure fairness while maintaining high standards.

How to Use an ACFT Calculator

An ACFT calculator (or ACFT score calculator) is an online tool that simplifies score tracking. Here’s how it works:

  1. Input Performance: Enter your results (e.g., deadlift weight, push-up reps, run time).
  2. Select Age and Gender: Adjust for your specific standards.
  3. Get Your Score: The calculator outputs your total score and pass/fail status.

For example, a 30-year-old male entering “300-pound deadlift, 10-meter throw, 35 push-ups, 2:00 SDC, 2:30 plank, 16:00 run” might score 450 points. Search “ACFT score calculator” on Army websites or fitness apps for accurate tools.

Go to link ACFT calculator

APFT Calculator: A Look Back

The APFT calculator is relevant for historical records or reserve units transitioning from the old test. The APFT included:

  • Push-Ups: Max reps in two minutes.
  • Sit-Ups: Max reps in two minutes.
  • Two-Mile Run: Timed run.

Scores ranged from 0-300 points, with age- and gender-based minimums (e.g., 42 push-ups, 53 sit-ups, 15:54 run for a 22-year-old male). Use an APFT calculator to compare past performance with ACFT scores.

Army Fitness Requirements by Age

The Army adjusts ACFT standards to account for age, ensuring realistic expectations:

  • 17-26 Years: High standards, e.g., 13:30 two-mile run for top scores.
  • 27-41 Years: Moderate adjustments, e.g., 14:30 run for similar points.
  • 42+ Years: More lenient, e.g., 15:30 run may suffice.

These “Army fitness requirements by age” help soldiers maintain readiness without undue strain.

Tips to Excel in the ACFT

  1. Train for All Events: Focus on strength (deadlifts), power (throws), and endurance (running).
  2. Use an ACFT Calculator: Regularly track progress to identify weak areas.
  3. Follow a Plan: Incorporate weightlifting, sprints, and core work into your routine.
  4. Check Official Standards: Visit Army websites for the latest scoring charts.

Conclusion

Mastering the Army Combat Fitness Test is essential for soldiers aiming to meet Army fitness test standards. By understanding the ACFT calculator, ACFT standards, and age-based requirements, you can prepare effectively. For historical context, the APFT calculator remains a useful tool. Use this guide, train smart, and leverage online tools to achieve your best score..

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