Army Combat Fitness Test Calculator

Calculate your ACFT score across all six events, track your performance, and get personalized training recommendations to achieve your fitness goals.

6 Events
600 Max
Performance
Tracking
Training
Insights
Score
History

Soldier Information

Event Performances

Minimum: 140 lbs
Minimum: 4.5 meters
Minimum: 10 repetitions
Maximum: 3:00 (lower is better)
Minimum: 1 repetition
Maximum: 22:00 (lower is better)

Enter your ACFT event performances and click Calculate to see your score

Understanding the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) represents the most significant change to Army physical fitness standards in over 40 years. Implemented to better assess soldiers’ combat readiness, the ACFT consists of six carefully designed events that measure the full spectrum of physical capabilities required in modern military operations. Our comprehensive ACFT calculator helps soldiers accurately score their performance, track progress over time, and identify areas for improvement.

What is the ACFT?

The ACFT is a holistic, performance-based assessment that tests muscular strength, endurance, power, speed, agility, and aerobic capacity. Unlike its predecessor, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), the ACFT uses the same minimum standards for all soldiers regardless of age or gender, ensuring every soldier meets a baseline standard of combat readiness. The test is scored on a 600-point scale, with each of the six events worth up to 100 points. To pass, soldiers must score at least 60 points on each event (360 total minimum).

The Six ACFT Events Explained

1. Three Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)

The MDL measures lower body muscular strength by having soldiers perform three consecutive deadlifts with maximum weight. This event simulates lifting and moving heavy equipment or casualties. Soldiers must maintain proper form with a straight back and full hip extension. The minimum passing weight is 140 pounds, with the maximum score achieved at 340 pounds. Training should focus on progressive overload and proper deadlift technique to prevent injury while building strength.

2. Standing Power Throw (SPT)

The SPT assesses explosive power by requiring soldiers to throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead for maximum distance. This event correlates with activities like lifting ammunition, jumping over obstacles, and quickly moving equipment. The minimum passing distance is 4.5 meters, with maximum scores awarded for throws of 14 meters or more. Effective training includes plyometric exercises, Olympic lifts, and rotational power development.

3. Hand-Release Push-Up – Arm Extension (HRP)

The HRP measures upper body muscular endurance through a two-minute maximum repetition test. Unlike traditional push-ups, soldiers must lower their entire body to the ground and lift hands off the ground at the bottom position, ensuring full range of motion. A minimum of 10 repetitions passes the event, while 70 or more earns maximum points. Training should emphasize high-volume push-up work, tempo variations, and strengthening supporting muscle groups like the shoulders and triceps.

4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)

The SDC is the most complex ACFT event, combining five different movements in quick succession: sprint, drag, lateral shuffle, carry, and sprint. This event tests anaerobic capacity, agility, and muscular endurance under fatigue. Soldiers must complete a 50-meter course involving sprinting, dragging a 90-pound sled, performing lateral shuffles, carrying two 40-pound kettlebells, and a final sprint. Maximum time allowed is 3 minutes, with scores improving as times decrease below 1:30. Training should include high-intensity interval work, sled drags, farmer carries, and transition practice.

5. Leg Tuck (LTK) or Plank (PLK)

Soldiers can choose between the Leg Tuck and the Plank for this core strength assessment. The Leg Tuck requires hanging from a pull-up bar and bringing knees to elbows repeatedly, measuring grip strength and core power. The minimum is 1 repetition, with 20 or more earning maximum points. The Plank alternative measures core endurance through a stationary hold position, with a minimum time of 2:00 and maximum score at 4:20. Training for the Leg Tuck should include pull-up progressions, hanging knee raises, and grip strengthening. Plank training should focus on proper form, gradual time increases, and anti-rotation exercises.

6. Two-Mile Run (2MR)

The 2MR assesses aerobic endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Soldiers must complete a two-mile run in under 22:00 minutes to pass, with times under 12:30 earning maximum points. This event is familiar to most soldiers from the previous APFT. Effective training combines easy distance runs for base building, tempo runs for lactate threshold improvement, and interval training for speed development. Consistency in running volume while managing recovery is key to improvement.

ACFT Scoring and Performance Categories

The ACFT uses a comprehensive 600-point scoring system that rewards excellence while maintaining minimum standards. Each event is worth up to 100 points, with 60 points representing the minimum passing score. Importantly, soldiers must achieve at least 60 points on every single event - failing one event means failing the entire ACFT, regardless of performance on other events.

Performance categories help soldiers understand their overall fitness level:

  • Black (540-600 points): Exceptional fitness level, demonstrating superior combat readiness across all physical domains
  • Gold (450-539 points): Excellent fitness level, exceeding standards with strong performance in all events
  • Silver (390-449 points): Good fitness level, comfortably meeting standards with room for improvement
  • Bronze (360-389 points): Passing fitness level, meeting minimum combat readiness requirements
  • Fail (below 360 or any event below 60): Does not meet Army fitness standards

Key Features of Our ACFT Calculator

  • Comprehensive Event Scoring: Calculate points for all six ACFT events using official Army scoring tables
  • Age and Gender Considerations: Accounts for scoring variations based on soldier demographics
  • Visual Performance Analysis: Radar chart displays strengths and weaknesses across all events at a glance
  • Pass/Fail Determination: Instantly see if you meet minimum standards for each event and overall
  • Performance Category Assignment: Understand where you stand with Black, Gold, Silver, or Bronze designation
  • Personalized Recommendations: Receive targeted improvement suggestions based on your weak areas
  • Event-Specific Training Tips: Access detailed training guidance for each of the six events
  • Score History Tracking: Monitor your progress over time with saved calculation history
  • Export and Share Options: Save your results and share achievements with unit leaders or peers

ACFT Training Strategies

Successful ACFT preparation requires a balanced training approach that addresses all six events while managing recovery and preventing injury. Here are evidence-based strategies for maximizing your ACFT performance:

Periodized Training Approach

Divide your training into phases: a base-building phase focusing on general fitness and technique, a strength phase emphasizing heavy resistance training for the deadlift and power development for the throw, and a specificity phase that mimics ACFT conditions. Each phase should last 4-6 weeks, with the final 2-3 weeks before your test focusing on maintaining fitness while reducing fatigue.

Event-Specific Training Frequency

Train the deadlift 2-3 times per week with varying intensities. Practice the power throw 2 times weekly, focusing on technique and explosive power. Perform push-up training 3-4 times weekly with different rep schemes. Complete SDC practice once weekly at full intensity with additional component training (sled drags, carries) 1-2 more times. Train your chosen core event (leg tuck or plank) 3-4 times weekly. Run 4-5 times per week with varied intensities and distances.

Recovery and Injury Prevention

The ACFT’s comprehensive nature means soldiers are training multiple energy systems and movement patterns simultaneously. Prioritize sleep (7-9 hours nightly), nutrition (adequate protein and calories for training volume), and active recovery (stretching, foam rolling, low-intensity movement). Include at least one full rest day weekly and listen to your body to prevent overtraining injuries.

Common ACFT Mistakes to Avoid

  • Neglecting Weak Events: Many soldiers focus only on their strong events, but the minimum standard for each event means weaknesses will cause failure
  • Poor Transition Practice: The SDC requires smooth transitions between movements - practice these specifically to save valuable seconds
  • Inadequate Grip Strength: Grip is tested in the deadlift, SDC carry, and leg tuck - dedicated grip training pays dividends
  • Ignoring Form Standards: Each event has specific form requirements - performing movements incorrectly in training leads to no-reps during the test
  • Overtraining the Test: Taking full practice ACFTs too frequently leads to burnout and injury - limit full tests to once monthly maximum
  • Inconsistent Running: Aerobic fitness requires consistent volume - sporadic running efforts won’t improve 2-mile times

Age and Gender Considerations

While the ACFT maintains the same minimum standards (60 points per event) for all soldiers, the scoring scales for achieving higher scores do account for age and gender differences. Older soldiers and female soldiers can achieve maximum scores with slightly different performances than younger or male soldiers. This approach ensures everyone meets a baseline combat readiness standard while acknowledging physiological differences in the higher scoring ranges.

Using This Calculator Effectively

Maximize the value of this ACFT calculator by using it strategically throughout your training:

  1. 1. Baseline Assessment: Calculate your current scores to identify which events need the most attention
  2. 2. Goal Setting: Determine your target category (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Black) and see what scores you need in each event
  3. 3. Progress Tracking: Test individual events monthly and track improvements over time using the history feature
  4. 4. Training Focus: Use the personalized recommendations to guide your training priorities
  5. 5. Pre-Test Prediction: Enter your most recent training performances to predict your test-day score
  6. 6. Recovery Monitoring: If scores decrease, it may indicate overtraining or inadequate recovery

ACFT Administration and Regulations

The ACFT is administered as a comprehensive physical fitness assessment across all Army components. Active duty soldiers typically take the ACFT twice annually as a record test, though commanders may administer diagnostic tests more frequently to track unit readiness. The test must be administered by trained graders following specific protocols outlined in FM 7-22 (Army Physical Readiness Training).

Recent updates to Army regulations have solidified the ACFT as the official test of record, replacing the APFT entirely. Performance on the ACFT can impact promotion points, school selections, and certain assignment opportunities. Failing the ACFT can result in enrollment in the Army Body Composition Program, flags preventing favorable personnel actions, and potential separation if standards aren’t met within specified timeframes.

Equipment and Setup Requirements

Proper ACFT administration requires specific equipment: a standardized deadlift bar with hex plates (140-340 lbs), a 10-pound medicine ball for the power throw, a pull-up bar or overhead horizontal bar for the leg tuck, two 40-pound kettlebells and a 90-pound sled for the SDC, and a measured running course. Units invest significantly in this equipment, and soldiers should train with the actual equipment whenever possible rather than substitutes.

Nutrition for ACFT Performance

Optimal nutrition supports both training adaptations and test-day performance. Ensure adequate protein intake (0.7-1 gram per pound of bodyweight) to support muscle recovery and growth. Consume sufficient carbohydrates to fuel high-intensity training sessions. Stay well-hydrated, especially important for the SDC and run. On test day, eat a familiar meal 2-3 hours before testing, avoiding heavy or unfamiliar foods that might cause gastrointestinal distress.

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates based on ACFT scoring standards and should be used for training and planning purposes only. Official ACFT scores must be recorded during a properly administered test with certified graders following current Army regulations (FM 7-22). Scoring tables are periodically updated, and specific events may have nuanced grading criteria not captured in a simplified calculator. Always consult your unit’s Master Fitness Trainer or operations office for official guidance.

Individual results may vary based on training background, recovery status, environmental conditions, and test-day factors. The recommendations provided are general guidelines - soldiers with specific limitations or injuries should consult with military medical providers and Master Fitness Trainers to develop appropriate training modifications.

ACFT Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Contact us

Soldier Success Stories

4.9
Based on 1,847 reviews

This ACFT calculator has been a game-changer for my squad’s PT planning. Being able to track scores and identify weak areas helps us tailor our training. We’ve seen significant improvements across all events since we started using this tool.

S
SSG Marcus Thompson
Infantry Squad Leader
September 20, 2024

As someone who struggled with the leg tuck, this calculator helped me track my progress and stay motivated. The training tips are spot-on, and seeing my scores improve week by week kept me focused. I went from barely passing to scoring Silver!

S
SPC Jennifer Martinez
Combat Medic
August 15, 2024

Excellent resource for leaders preparing their soldiers for the ACFT. The performance categories and improvement recommendations are particularly useful for counseling sessions. I recommend this to all my soldiers for self-assessment between official tests.

1
1LT David Chen
Platoon Leader
October 5, 2024

Love using our calculator?