Advanced ACFT Calculator
The ultimate tool for calculating, tracking, and improving your Army Combat Fitness Test performance
ACFT Score Calculator
ACFT Standards
The ACFT consists of six events, each measuring different fitness components:
Event | Minimum | Moderate | Significant | Maximum |
---|---|---|---|---|
Select gender and age group to view standards |
Score Results
Total ACFT Score
Individual Event Scores
Event | Performance | Score |
---|---|---|
MDL | - | - |
SPT | - | - |
HRP | - | - |
SDC | - | - |
PLK | - | - |
2MR | - | - |
Enter your ACFT performance data and click "Calculate Score" to see results
Performance Tracking
Save your results to track your ACFT performance over time
Training Tips
- Focus on proper form with a neutral spine
- Train with progressive overload, adding weight gradually
- Strengthen your posterior chain with complementary exercises
- Incorporate Romanian deadlifts and kettlebell swings
- Practice the hex bar deadlift specifically as used in the ACFT
- Practice proper throwing technique with hip extension
- Strengthen your explosive power with plyometrics
- Incorporate medicine ball throws into your routine
- Train your core for better force transfer
- Work on shoulder mobility and strength
- Focus on building push-up volume gradually
- Train with various push-up variations (wide, diamond, etc.)
- Practice the specific hand-release technique
- Strengthen your core for better body alignment
- Incorporate tricep and chest accessory exercises
- Incorporate interval training for speed and recovery
- Practice lateral movements and directional changes
- Strengthen your grip for the carry portions
- Train with sled drags to simulate the test
- Work on efficient transitions between segments
- Practice proper plank form with neutral alignment
- Gradually increase plank hold duration
- Incorporate plank variations (side, single-arm, etc.)
- Strengthen your core with complementary exercises
- Focus on breathing techniques during extended holds
- Build endurance with longer, slower runs
- Improve speed with interval training and tempo runs
- Work on running economy and form
- Implement a progressive training plan
- Practice pacing strategies for the 2-mile distance
About the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
What is the ACFT?
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the official physical fitness assessment used by the United States Army to measure soldiers' physical readiness for combat operations. Implemented as a replacement for the older Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), the ACFT represents a significant shift towards a more comprehensive evaluation of the physical capabilities required in modern warfare.
The ACFT consists of six events that measure various aspects of physical fitness, including muscular strength, power, endurance, and cardiovascular capacity. Each event is designed to reflect the physical demands that soldiers might encounter in combat situations, making it a more functional assessment than its predecessor.
The Six ACFT Events
3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
Tests lower body strength by requiring soldiers to perform three consecutive deadlifts with a hexagonal ("trap") bar. This event simulates the strength needed to safely and effectively lift heavy loads from the ground, such as wounded soldiers or equipment.
Standing Power Throw (SPT)
Assesses explosive power through a backward medicine ball throw. This event replicates the power needed for tasks like moving obstacles, scaling walls, or throwing equipment over barriers in combat scenarios.
Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)
Measures upper body endurance with a modified push-up where soldiers must lift their hands off the ground at the bottom of each repetition. This tests the muscular endurance required for repetitive pushing movements during combat operations.
Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
Evaluates anaerobic capacity, strength, and agility through a shuttle run course with five 50-meter legs involving different tasks: sprint, sled drag, lateral movement, kettlebell carry, and a final sprint. This complex event simulates moving quickly on the battlefield while transporting equipment or personnel.
Plank (PLK)
Tests core stability and endurance by having soldiers maintain a proper plank position for as long as possible. Core strength is essential for maintaining posture, preventing injuries, and stabilizing the body during various combat-related movements.
2-Mile Run (2MR)
Measures aerobic endurance and cardiovascular fitness through a timed two-mile run. This event assesses a soldier's ability to sustain moderate-intensity activity over time, which is crucial for prolonged operations.
ACFT Scoring System
The ACFT employs a comprehensive scoring system where each event is scored from 0 to 100 points, with a maximum total score of 600 points. The scoring standards vary based on gender and age groups to ensure fairness across the diverse Army population.
To pass the ACFT, soldiers must achieve a minimum score of 60 points in each event. The scoring tiers are:
- Green (Pass): 60+ points in each event
- Bronze (Moderate): 65-79 points in each event
- Silver (Significant): 80-89 points in each event
- Gold (Excellence): 90-100 points in each event
Why the ACFT Matters
The ACFT represents the Army's commitment to better preparing soldiers for the physical demands of modern warfare. Unlike the previous test, which primarily focused on general fitness, the ACFT specifically targets combat-related physical capabilities.
Benefits of the ACFT include:
- More comprehensive assessment of physical readiness
- Better correlation with combat-related tasks
- Reduced injury rates through improved physical preparation
- Gender-neutral standards that reflect job requirements
- Enhanced focus on overall functional fitness
Training for the ACFT
Effective ACFT preparation requires a well-rounded approach to physical training. Unlike the APFT, which could be trained for with basic calisthenics and running, the ACFT demands a more diverse training regimen that includes:
- Strength training with free weights and resistance exercises
- Power development through explosive movements
- Muscular endurance work with high-repetition exercises
- Agility and speed drills for improved movement efficiency
- Core stability training for better overall performance
- Cardiovascular conditioning through both interval and steady-state training
Using our ACFT Calculator and training resources can help soldiers track their progress, identify weaknesses, and develop targeted training plans to excel in all six events.
Quick Reference
ACFT Events
- MDL: 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift
- SPT: Standing Power Throw
- HRP: Hand-Release Push-Up
- SDC: Sprint-Drag-Carry
- PLK: Plank
- 2MR: 2-Mile Run
Score Classifications
- Gold 90-100 points
- Silver 80-89 points
- Bronze 65-79 points
- Green 60-64 points
- Fail <60 points
Test Requirements
- Proper uniform (Army Physical Fitness Uniform)
- Testing must be conducted by certified graders
- Events must be completed in sequence
- Recovery period permitted between events
- Must achieve minimum 60 points in each event
Expert Tips
Pro Tip: Train all six events weekly, but focus on your weakest events twice per week for faster improvement.
Pro Tip: Simulate the full ACFT at least once monthly to build event transition skills and test-specific endurance.
Need Help?
Struggling with specific ACFT events or need a personalized training plan? Our team of fitness experts is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ACFT represents a significant evolution from the APFT in several ways:
- The APFT had only 3 events (push-ups, sit-ups, 2-mile run), while the ACFT has 6 events that test a broader range of physical abilities
- The ACFT more closely simulates physical demands of combat situations
- The ACFT includes strength and power components, not just muscular and aerobic endurance
- Scoring for the ACFT is adjusted by gender and age group to reflect physiological differences
- The ACFT requires more equipment and preparation than the APFT did
For comprehensive ACFT training, you'll need the following equipment:
- Hex/trap bar for deadlift training
- Bumper plates of various weights
- 10 lb medicine ball for power throw practice
- Flat surface for hand-release push-ups and planks
- Kettlebells (preferably 40 lbs) for Sprint-Drag-Carry training
- Sled or substitute for drag portion of SDC
- Measured track or path for 2-mile run training
- Stopwatch or timer for timed events
For those without access to all equipment, our training tips section includes alternative exercises that can help develop the same physical capacities with minimal equipment.
For optimal preparation without risking overtraining:
- Complete practice of individual events: Weekly
- Full ACFT practice: Once every 4-6 weeks
- Mock ACFT (with proper rest periods and full protocol): Every 2-3 months
These frequencies allow adequate recovery while providing regular assessment of your progress. More frequent testing may interfere with your training program and recovery. Less frequent testing might leave you unprepared for the actual testing environment and pacing requirements.
To improve your ACFT score most efficiently:
- Identify your weakest events - Use our calculator to determine which events need the most improvement
- Focus training priority - Allocate 60% of your training time to weak events while maintaining performance in stronger events
- Follow progressive programming - Gradually increase intensity rather than maximal effort each session
- Train movement patterns - Focus on the specific movements tested rather than just general fitness
- Recover properly - Ensure adequate sleep, nutrition, and rest days to support adaptation
For personalized guidance, use our "Get Personalized Improvement Plan" feature which analyzes your current performance and creates a tailored training program.
Our ACFT calculator uses the official Army scoring standards and is regularly updated whenever the Army adjusts their scoring tables. The calculator:
- Incorporates the latest gender and age-specific scoring criteria
- Uses the same scoring algorithms used by official Army testing
- Is verified against official ACFT results for accuracy
- Receives updates whenever the Army modifies standards or scoring
While the calculator provides extremely accurate scoring, it's important to remember that official ACFT administration may include subjective grading elements (particularly for events like the hand-release push-up) that cannot be precisely replicated in an online calculator.