ACFT Calculator
Calculate your Army Combat Fitness Test score across all required events
Calculate Your Army Combat Fitness Test
Understanding the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) represents a significant evolution in military fitness assessment, designed to better evaluate a soldier's physical readiness for combat operations. Introduced as a replacement for the long-standing Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), the ACFT consists of six comprehensive events that test different aspects of physical fitness relevant to modern warfare.
The Six ACFT Events
1. Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
The Maximum Deadlift assesses lower body, grip, and core strength by requiring soldiers to lift a hexagon bar loaded with weights. After a proper warm-up and practice lifts, soldiers have three attempts to lift the maximum weight they can handle with proper form. This event simulates the strength needed to safely and effectively lift and move heavy equipment, wounded soldiers, and supplies on the battlefield.
2. Standing Power Throw (SPT)
For the Standing Power Throw, soldiers must throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead for maximum distance. This event tests explosive power, coordination, and the ability to generate force—skills needed for tasks like moving obstacles, scaling walls, or throwing equipment over barriers in combat scenarios.
3. Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)
The Hand-Release Push-Up is a more demanding variation of the traditional push-up. Soldiers must lower their chest to the ground, lift their hands off the floor momentarily, and then push back up to complete each repetition. This event measures upper body muscular endurance and the ability to recover from exertion, mimicking the repeated pushing motions often required in combat.
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
Perhaps the most complex event, the Sprint-Drag-Carry involves five 50-meter shuttles with different activities: a sprint, dragging a 90-pound sled, lateral shuffles, carrying two 40-pound kettlebells, and a final sprint. This comprehensive event tests anaerobic capacity, strength, and agility while simulating the diverse physical demands soldiers face during operations.
5. Plank (PLK)
The Plank replaced the initially proposed Leg Tuck in the ACFT. Soldiers must maintain a proper forearm plank position for as long as possible. This event assesses core endurance, which is crucial for stability, injury prevention, and proper posture during physically demanding tasks.
6. Two-Mile Run (2MR)
The Two-Mile Run concludes the ACFT and tests aerobic endurance. Soldiers must complete the distance as quickly as possible on a measured course. Cardiovascular fitness remains essential for sustained operations and recovery between intense activities in military contexts.
ACFT Scoring System
The ACFT scoring system represents a significant evolution from previous military fitness tests. Each event is scored on a scale from 0 to 100 points, with soldiers needing a minimum of 60 points on each event to pass. The total maximum score is 600 points.
Performance standards vary based on age groups (17-21, 22-26, 27-31, 32-36, and 37+ years) and gender. This tiered approach acknowledges natural physical differences while still maintaining high standards for combat readiness.
Based on the total score, performance classifications are:
- 360-419 points: Pass
- 420-479 points: Satisfactory
- 480-539 points: Good
- 540-600 points: Excellent
Preparing for the ACFT
Effective preparation for the ACFT requires a well-rounded fitness approach that addresses strength, power, endurance, and mobility. Unlike the previous APFT, which could be prepared for with primarily body-weight exercises and running, the ACFT demands more diverse training methods.
Key training components include:
- Strength training with an emphasis on deadlifts and upper body pushing movements
- Power development through explosive exercises like medicine ball throws and jumps
- Core stability work including planks and anti-rotation exercises
- High-intensity interval training to develop the anaerobic capacity needed for the Sprint-Drag-Carry
- Cardiovascular endurance training for the Two-Mile Run
- Mobility work to ensure proper form and reduce injury risk
How to Use This Calculator
Our ACFT Calculator provides a straightforward way to estimate your performance on the Army Combat Fitness Test:
- Select your gender and age group for accurate scoring standards
- Enter your performance for each of the six events:
- Maximum Deadlift (MDL): Enter the maximum weight lifted in pounds
- Standing Power Throw (SPT): Enter the distance thrown in meters
- Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP): Enter the number of repetitions completed
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): Enter your completion time in minutes:seconds format (e.g., 2:30)
- Plank (PLK): Enter your hold time in minutes:seconds format
- Two-Mile Run (2MR): Enter your run time in minutes:seconds format (e.g., 15:30)
- Click "Calculate Score" to see your results
The calculator will display your score for each event, your total ACFT score, and your performance classification. It also provides a visual indication of any events where you did not meet the minimum standard of 60 points.
Remember that this calculator provides an estimate based on the current ACFT standards. Official scoring may vary, and the Army continues to refine the test based on ongoing data collection and analysis. Always refer to the most recent official Army guidance for definitive ACFT standards and procedures.