The U.S. Army is among one of the branches of the military that demands excellent physical condition and performance.
When new recruits enlist in the military they go through basic training.
The Army has expectations for how you should arrive at boot camp which is tested through three activities: push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run.
The military branch has expectations known as APFT standards which determine if you are ready for service.
This article will provide you with the maximum and minimum expectations for Army APFT standards.
Note: While this article was originally published in 2019, all numbers have been changed to reflect the 2021 standards.
Jump To A Standard
| APFT Male Standards | APFT Female Standards |
|---|---|
| Ages 17-21 Ages 22-26 Ages 27-31 Ages 32-36 Ages 37-41 | Ages 17-21 Ages 22-26 Ages 27-31 Ages 32-36 Ages 37-41 |
Army Male APFT Standards
The baseline numbers presented in the APFT standards are considered your responsibility.
You are expected to have a score of satisfactory or higher in order to continue in boot camp and to be considered for acceptance into the U.S. Army.
Army male APFT standards are determined by age.
The Army asserts that you are at your peak physical condition between the ages of 27-31, which is why that age group has the highest standards:
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APFT Standards – Male (Ages 17-21)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 71 | 78 | 13:00 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 64 | 72 | 13:42 |
| Excellent | 75 | 53 | 63 | 14:48 |
| Good | 60 | 42 | 53 | 15:54 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 35 | 47 | 16:36 |
| Probationary | 45 | 31 | 44 | 17:00 |
APFT Standards – Male (Ages 22-26)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 75 | 80 | 13:00 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 66 | 73 | 13:54 |
| Excellent | 75 | 53 | 61 | 15:12 |
| Good | 60 | 40 | 50 | 16:36 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 31 | 43 | 17:30 |
| Probationary | 45 | 27 | 39 | 17:54 |
APFT Standards – Male (Ages 27-31)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 77 | 82 | 13:18 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 68 | 73 | 14:12 |
| Excellent | 75 | 53 | 59 | 15:36 |
| Good | 60 | 39 | 45 | 17:00 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 30 | 36 | 17:54 |
| Probationary | 45 | 25 | 31 | 18:24 |
APFT Standards – Male (Ages 32-36)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 75 | 76 | 13:18 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 65 | 68 | 14:24 |
| Excellent | 75 | 51 | 55 | 16:00 |
| Good | 60 | 36 | 42 | 17:42 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 26 | 34 | 18:48 |
| Probationary | 45 | 21 | 29 | 19:18 |
APFT Standards – Male (Ages 37-41)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 73 | 76 | 13:36 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 63 | 67 | 14:48 |
| Excellent | 75 | 49 | 52 | 16:30 |
| Good | 60 | 34 | 38 | 18:18 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 24 | 29 | 19:30 |
| Probationary | 45 | 19 | 24 | 20:06 |
Army Female APFT Standards
Female members of the Army have their own set of expectations explained in the APFT standards.
Once again push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run are tested.
The Army also considers the 27-31 age group the most physically fit, hence the higher demands:
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APFT Standards – Female (Ages 17-21)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 42 | 78 | 15:36 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 36 | 72 | 16:24 |
| Excellent | 75 | 28 | 63 | 17:42 |
| Good | 60 | 19 | 53 | 18:54 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 13 | 47 | 19:42 |
| Probationary | 45 | 11 | 44 | 20:06 |
APFT Standards – Female (Ages 22-26)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 46 | 80 | 15:36 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 39 | 73 | 16:36 |
| Excellent | 75 | 28 | 61 | 18:06 |
| Good | 60 | 17 | 50 | 19:36 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 11 | 43 | 20:36 |
| Probationary | 45 | 7 | 39 | 21:06 |
APFT Standards – Female (Ages 27-31)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 50 | 82 | 15:48 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 42 | 73 | 17:00 |
| Excellent | 75 | 29 | 59 | 18:42 |
| Good | 60 | 17 | 45 | 20:30 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 10 | 36 | 21:42 |
| Probationary | 45 | 5 | 31 | 22:12 |
APFT Standards – Female (Ages 32-36)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 45 | 76 | 15:54 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 38 | 68 | 17:18 |
| Excellent | 75 | 26 | 55 | 19:30 |
| Good | 60 | 15 | 42 | 21:42 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 9 | 34 | 23:06 |
| Probationary | 45 | 5 | 29 | 23:54 |
APFT Standards – Female (Ages 37-41)
| Level of Performance | Points | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2 Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 100 | 40 | 76 | 17:00 |
| Outstanding | 90 | 33 | 67 | 18:24 |
| Excellent | 75 | 23 | 52 | 20:30 |
| Good | 60 | 13 | 38 | 22:42 |
| Satisfactory Medium | 50 | 6 | 29 | 24:06 |
| Probationary | 45 | 3 | 24 | 24:48 |
FAQ – Army APFT Standards
Army APFT standards are divided by gender as well as age.
In order to complete Basic Training, you need to score at least 50 points in each event for your age demographic.
Those that fail to reach 50 points in each event are still allowed to continue basic training, however, they must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) by the end of basic training.
It’s a little different from Navy PRT standards which will immediately send home new recruits that fail to pass the physical fitness requirements.
We have put together this resource of commonly asked questions regarding the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) to make sure you are prepared for basic training:
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How long do I have to complete the exercises?
The two-mile run is straightforward. You have to complete the run in under the posted time for each age group and level of performance desired.
Remember, the goal is to get a score of at least 50 points so you are aiming for nothing short of the “Satisfactory Medium” level of performance.
For push-ups and sit-ups, you are given two minutes each to complete as many push-ups and sit-ups as possible.
The Army Physical Fitness Test is performed in the following order:
1) Push-ups
2) Sit-ups
3) 2 Mile Run.
Try to practice them in that order so you are the most prepared for the test.
When should I start preparing for the Army Physical Fitness Test?
We highly encourage those that are considering the U.S. Army to start working towards your goals immediately.
We’ve actually created a free guide on exactly how to lose weight for the military, which you can check out here.
Even if you may not be of age or ready quite yet to enlist it doesn’t hurt to get yourself physically prepared.
Set baseline numbers for the number of push-ups and sit-ups you are able to complete in two minutes.
Do the same for a two-mile run. Then seek to improve upon those numbers.
Remember! Physical fitness is hard. It does take time to reach the results you desire if you are not physically active.
In fact, reaching APFT standards (especially Maximum and Outstanding categories) takes a lot of work from people in great shape.
What scores am I supposed to maintain throughout basic training? In the Army?
The Army expects you to reach a score of at least 50 points for the three events in order to remain in good standing during basic training.
However, if you fail to reach a score of 50 on one or more events the Army will allow you until the end of boot camp to reach the desired score of 50 points.
However, the APFT standards do get more stringent the longer you serve.
In fact, once you graduate basic training and move into AIT/OSUT you will be required to maintain a score of at least 60 points (or “Good”) to remain in the Army.
You shouldn’t dwell on the APFT standards too much at this point in time.
For example, it may seem daunting to try and complete 60+ push-ups in two minutes right now, yet once you get into the Army you’ll get prepared.
The physical fitness challenges that soldiers must go through to officially join the Army are demanding and will work you into great shape in no time!
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How many APFT can you fail?
If you fail the APFT after basic, your commander will have you tested every 30 days to measure your progress. If you fail the record APFT (twice a year), your commander may consider you for discharge.
What happens if you fail the APFT?
If you fail your APFT (twice a year), your supervisor will counsel you and assign a physical training schedule and ensure you follow it. You may be assigned a peer mentor to help you meet the APFT standards.
What is the minimum run time for APFT during Boot Camp?
The minimum run time for the APFT depends on your age and gender. Males between 17 and 21 must run two miles in less than 16:36. Females of the same age must run it in 19:42.
What are Army height and weight restrictions?
The Army also has expectations for height and weight in addition to a few general guidelines for physical fitness.
People that are considered obese yet would like to serve their country may feel daunted and overwhelmed about losing weight in order to make standards.
However, we recommend that you still pursue your goals and ambitions!
There is a weight waiver allowance provided to some military personnel with weight issues.
Furthermore, if you start training now you may be able to shed the extra pounds that have been a problem in the past.
In order to lose weight in a healthy manner, we suggest contacting a local recruiter for an Army approved exercise and/or diet plan.
We also recommend the following products for men and for women looking to ditch a few pounds:
For Men – Instant Knockout review
For Women – Hourglass Fit Review
While you don’t necessarily need to use them, supplements are a great way of helping you attain faster results.
They won’t do the work for you, but you can definitely use them to help prepare yourself for the Army APFT.
Conclusion
APFT standards are set in place to prepare you for life in the Army.
The military is a demanding environment that requires peak physical fitness and mental well-being.
As a result, APFT standards are designated to make sure you are prepared enough to get through basic training and advance to AIT/OSUT.
The goal is to obtain a score of at least 50 points for each exercise in order to continue service.
Check out the physical fitness testing requirements for the other military branches below:
Resources:
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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