The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is the smallest among all of the armed forces in terms of personnel. To join the Marine Corps, you must be at least 18 years old but not older than 39-and be physically able to perform your duties. Marines are required to pass a physical fitness test that includes pushups, crunches, and a 2-mile run.
Marine Corps Weight Limits
A Marine is required to meet a fitness standard he or she must be able to maintain a body mass of 25 percent less than that which he or she was measured at when entering service. On average, Marines weigh in at around 160–170 pounds. The Marine Corps uses the Body Mass Index (BMI) formula to determine if someone is in the “overweight” category, “ideal weight” category, or in the “normal” category.
Related: Body Mass Index Calculator
Marine Corps Height Requirements
The height requirements vary from service to service within the Marine Corps. The average height for a male Marine in the field is 5’9″ and for a female Marine, 5’4″. If you’re below these height requirements, you could be disqualified from joining or your training could be delayed until you meet the criteria.
Marine Corps Height and Weight Charts
The height and weight charts for male marines are as following:
| Height (inches) | Min Weight ( pounds ) | Max Weight (pounds) |
| 56 | 85 | 122 |
| 57 | 88 | 127 |
| 58 | 91 | 131 |
| 59 | 94 | 136 |
| 60 | 97 | 141 |
| 61 | 100 | 145 |
| 62 | 104 | 150 |
| 63 | 107 | 155 |
| 64 | 110 | 160 |
| 65 | 114 | 165 |
| 66 | 117 | 170 |
| 67 | 121 | 175 |
| 68 | 125 | 180 |
| 69 | 128 | 186 |
| 70 | 132 | 191 |
| 71 | 136 | 197 |
| 72 | 140 | 202 |
| 73 | 144 | 208 |
| 74 | 148 | 214 |
| 75 | 152 | 220 |
| 76 | 156 | 225 |
| 77 | 160 | 231 |
| 78 | 164 | 237 |
| 79 | 168 | 244 |
| 80 | 173 | 250 |
| 81 | 177 | 256 |
| 82 | 182 | 263 |
The height and weight charts for female marines are as following:
| Height (inches) | Min Weight (pounds) | Max Weight (pounds) |
| 56 | 85 | 115 |
| 57 | 88 | 120 |
| 58 | 91 | 124 |
| 59 | 94 | 129 |
| 60 | 97 | 133 |
| 61 | 100 | 137 |
| 62 | 104 | 142 |
| 63 | 107 | 146 |
| 64 | 110 | 151 |
| 65 | 114 | 156 |
| 66 | 117 | 155 |
| 67 | 121 | 161 |
| 68 | 125 | 171 |
| 69 | 128 | 176 |
| 70 | 132 | 181 |
| 71 | 136 | 186 |
| 72 | 140 | 191 |
| 73 | 144 | 197 |
| 74 | 148 | 202 |
| 75 | 152 | 208 |
| 76 | 156 | 213 |
| 77 | 160 | 219 |
| 78 | 164 | 225 |
| 79 | 168 | 230 |
| 80 | 173 | 236 |
| 81 | 177 | 242 |
| 82 | 182 | 248 |
If you’re interested in the Army’s height and weight standards, visit Hood MWR’s article on Army height and weight standards charts for both men and women. It details the maximum weight someone can have based on their height, as well as the minimum weight and also how to pass the Army body fat test.
How the Marine Corps Measures Height and Weight
Marine Corps Measures Height by measuring the distance between the highest point of the neck to the top of the head. The height is measured from chin to navel. A Marine’s weight is measured by using a scale that has sensors on it to determine body fat percentage, which is then used in conjunction with both body mass index (BMI) and height.
Body Fat Tests
The Marine Corps uses three different methods for measuring body fat percentage: skinfold caliper test, hydrostatic weighing, and bioelectrical impedance testing (BIA).
Marine Corps Measures Weight by using a scale that has sensors on it to determine body fat percentage, which is then used in conjunction with both body mass index (BMI) and height.
Marine Corps Body Fat Requirements
There are four different categories of weight and height combinations for Marines depending on gender. The categories are as follows:
Underweight. Someone who is both underweight and short is too small for his or her height. The Marine Corps also has a policy that a weight gain of greater than 10 pounds in a six-month period could disqualify them from serving in the Marine Corps.
Fitness Grade I. This category applies to young men and women who are, respectively, too thin or too fat for their height but whose overall appearance is one of fitness.
Fitness Grade II. This category applies to young men and women who are, respectively, in need of improvement in their fitness and who must improve their physical appearance.
Fitness Grade III. This category applies to young men and women who do not meet Marine Corps weight or body composition standards and therefore, must improve their physical appearance in order to meet the minimum fitness requirements.
Related: Army Body Fat Calculator
To meet the Marine Corps body fat requirements, it is essential to stay fit and maintain healthy weight. You can calculate your body fat with the help of USMC PFT/CFT Calculator and monitor your score. With regular exercise and a balanced diet, you can improve your overall health and fitness to meet the standards.
Body Composition Program in the Marine Corps
The Marine Corps uses the body composition method to measure the amount of body fat. There are two methods of evaluating body composition: underwater weighing and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Although there are limitations to both methods, each is useful for estimating body fat and lean tissue. DXA has been found to be more accurate than underwater weighing and is now the Marine Corps’ preferred method.
FAQs
What is the average height of male Marines?
The average height of male Marines is 5 feet 10 inches, with the tallest at 6 feet 4 inches.
If you are looking to join the military but are concerned about meeting the weight requirements, check out Hood MWR’s guide on how to join the military if you are overweight. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight in order to meet the physical standards required for military service.
What is the average weight of male Marines?
The average weight of male Marines is 172 pounds, with the heaviest at 237 pounds.
How do you get in shape to pass the Marine Corps PFT?
Prepare for the PFT by running on soft sand or grass (wearing boots if possible). Have your unit PT (physical training) instructor demonstrate how to correctly do each exercise in detail. Then, ask for daily PT throughout the week to ensure you are using the proper form. The PFT is designed to be challenging, so it’s okay if your performance falls short of perfection.
If you’re looking to get in shape to pass the Marine Corps PFT, it’s important to monitor your body fat percentage. You can use the Army Body Fat Calculator to ensure you meet the required standards. This tool takes measurements of your height, waist, and neck to calculate your body fat percentage, and helps you determine if you need to lose weight and by how much.
Are Marines allowed to have tattoos?
Marines are allowed to have one tattoo allowed per arm, with no more than two per arm. Tattoos on Marine’s face or neck are prohibited. Tattoos must be legibly and permanently marked and cannot cover Marine’s entire body or be visible through clothing.
What is the average height of female Marines?
The average height of female Marines is 5’4″ with a weight of 125 pounds. The Corps’ height and weight standards are designed to fit the average female Marine, but standards are standards. It’s not likely that you will be allowed to enlist if you do not meet the standards, regardless of how much you want to join or your motivation.
What is the average weight of female Marines?
The average male Marine weighs approximately 218 pounds, while the average female Marine weighs approximately 179 pounds.
What is the minimum height I can be?
You cannot join the United States Marine Corps unless you are at least, 5’4″ tall. For women you must also meet the following minimum body weight standards:
You must have a bodyweight of at least 81kg, which is equal to 168lbs. These are the medical requirements for both men and women joining the Marines.
