Marine Corps WHtR Standard (2026)
MCO 6110.3 / MARADMIN 066/26 — Effective January 1, 2026, the Marine Corps replaced height-and-weight tables with a Waist-to-Height Ratio screen set tighter than the DoD baseline at 0.
The Marine Corps gate
| Initial screen | Threshold | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) | must be < 0.52 | Below passes with no tape test; at or above → secondary body-fat evaluation |
Note: PFT & CFT ≥ 285 → body-fat allowance capped at 26% (men) / 36% (women). ≥ 250 → +1% allowance (same cap).
Calculate your WHtR for Marine Corps
Your measurements
U.S. customary units. Measure the waist at the navel with a flexible tape, relaxed, after a normal exhale.
Your WHtR
0.486
Joint-force screen: must be < 0.55 (Marine Corps: < 0.52)
Verdict by branch (2026)
| Branch | WHtR gate | Your ratio | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Corps | < 0.52 | 0.486 | PASS |
A PASS clears the initial WHtR screen. At or above the gate, the service runs a secondary body-fat evaluation (DoD Instruction 1308.03 corridor: 18–26% men / 26–36% women depending on branch and age). Estimates are educational — confirm with your command.
Secondary body-fat evaluation
If your WHtR is at or above 0.52, the service runs a body-fat evaluation. Maximum allowable body fat for U.S. Marine Corps:
| Age | Men (max %) | Women (max %) |
|---|---|---|
| 17–26 | 18% | 26% |
| 27–39 | 19% | 27% |
| 40–45 | 20% | 28% |
| 46+ | 21% | 29% |