ACFT Calculator

What is the ACFT?

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the U.S. Army's official physical fitness assessment, which replaced the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) in October 2022. The ACFT is designed to better assess a soldier's overall combat readiness by testing functional fitness across six events that simulate real-world combat tasks.

Unlike the APFT, which only tested push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run, the ACFT evaluates muscular strength, muscular endurance, aerobic endurance, explosive power, and agility. This comprehensive approach was developed after extensive research showed that combat tasks require a broad range of physical capabilities.

The ACFT uses a gender- and age-neutral minimum standard for all soldiers, with a scoring range of 0–100 points per event and a maximum total score of 600 points. All soldiers must achieve a minimum of 60 points in each event to pass.

The Six ACFT Events

1. Three Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)

The MDL tests lower body and grip strength. Soldiers perform three repetitions of a deadlift using a hex bar (trap bar) loaded with the maximum weight they can safely lift three times. The weight ranges from 140 to 340+ pounds.

Equipment: 60-lb hex bar, assorted weight plates

Technique: Feet shoulder-width apart, grip the handles, extend hips and knees to stand upright, then lower under control. Three continuous repetitions without resting the weight on the ground between reps.

2. Standing Power Throw (SPT)

The SPT measures upper and lower body explosive power. Soldiers throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward overhead for maximum distance. Two record attempts are permitted.

Equipment: 10-lb medicine ball, tape measure

Technique: Stand with back to the throwing direction, squat down while swinging the ball between legs, then explosively extend and throw overhead and backward. Distance is measured from the start line to the landing point.

3. Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)

The HRP tests upper body muscular endurance. Soldiers perform as many hand-release push-ups as possible within 2 minutes. At the bottom of each rep, the chest must touch the ground and hands must be lifted off the ground before pushing back up.

Technique: Start in the front-leaning rest position. Lower body until chest touches ground. Release hands from the ground (can extend arms to sides, lift hands up, or do a T-shape). Replace hands and push back up to the starting position. Hips should not sag or pike excessively.

4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)

The SDC is a 250-meter shuttle event testing agility, anaerobic endurance, and muscular strength/endurance. It consists of five 50-meter segments:

1. Sprint: Sprint 25m, turn, sprint 25m back
2. Drag: Drag a 90-lb sled 25m down and 25m back
3. Lateral Shuffle: Lateral shuffle 25m and back (facing same direction)
4. Carry: Carry two 40-lb kettlebells 25m down and 25m back
5. Sprint: Sprint 25m and 25m back to finish

5. Plank (PLK)

The Plank tests core muscular endurance. Soldiers hold a proper forearm plank position for as long as possible (up to a maximum of 4:20). The plank replaced the leg tuck as the core endurance event in 2022.

Technique: Forearms flat on ground, elbows directly under shoulders, feet no wider than the width of the hips, body forming a straight line from head to heels. The event ends when any part of the body other than forearms and toes touches the ground.

6. Two-Mile Run (2MR)

The 2MR tests aerobic endurance. Soldiers run two miles on a measured, generally flat course as fast as possible. This is the same event from the former APFT.

Scoring Standards

Each event is scored from 0 to 100 points. The scoring tables below show key reference points:

Passing Requirements

To pass the ACFT, soldiers must score a minimum of 60 points in each event. There is no ability to compensate for a failed event with a higher score in another event — all six events must be passed individually.

Performance categories based on total score:

Training Tips for Each Event

MDL Training

Focus on progressive overload with deadlift variations (trap bar, conventional, sumo). Include Romanian deadlifts, hip thrusts, and farmer's carries. Train 2–3 times per week with adequate recovery.

SPT Training

Develop explosive power through medicine ball throws, box jumps, jump squats, and Olympic lift variations (power clean, push press). Practice the actual throwing technique regularly.

HRP Training

Build push-up endurance through daily practice with varying rep schemes. Include bench press, incline push-ups, and hand-release push-up specific practice. Aim for volume over intensity.

SDC Training

Train with shuttle runs, sled drags, kettlebell carries, and lateral shuffle drills. Practice transitions between movements. Include interval training for anaerobic conditioning.

PLK Training

Progressive plank holds with proper form. Include dead bugs, pallof presses, bird-dogs, and anti-rotation exercises. Focus on time under tension and maintaining a neutral spine.

2MR Training

Follow a structured running program with a mix of long runs, tempo runs, and interval sessions (400m/800m repeats). Build a base of 15–25 miles per week and include one speed workout weekly.

History of the ACFT

The ACFT was developed beginning in 2013 when the Army recognized that the 40-year-old APFT did not adequately predict combat readiness or injury risk. Key milestones:

• 2013–2017: Research and development at the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training
• 2018: Initial field testing began across Army units
• 2019: Army-wide pilot testing with over 60 units
• 2020–2021: Scoring adjustments and leg tuck alternative (plank) added after feedback
• 2022: ACFT became the official Army fitness test on October 1, 2022, replacing the APFT entirely

The transition included significant debate about gender-neutral standards, scoring fairness, and equipment availability, but the Army ultimately maintained a single minimum standard for all soldiers regardless of age or gender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good ACFT score?

A total score of 480+ is considered superior (Gold), while 540+ is exceptional (Platinum). The average score across the Army is approximately 440–460 points. A competitive score for promotion boards and schools is generally 500+.

Can I take the ACFT if I'm not in the military?

The ACFT is specifically for U.S. Army personnel, but anyone can use the scoring standards to assess their fitness. Many gyms and fitness programs have adopted the ACFT events as a comprehensive fitness benchmark.

How often do soldiers take the ACFT?

Soldiers are required to take a record ACFT at least twice per year. Diagnostic (practice) ACFTs may be administered more frequently at the commander's discretion.

What happens if I fail an event?

Failing any single event means failing the entire ACFT. Soldiers who fail are typically given a retest opportunity within 90 days and may be placed on a remedial fitness program. Repeated failures can impact career progression.

Is the ACFT the same for all soldiers?

Yes. The minimum passing standard of 60 points per event is the same for all soldiers regardless of age, gender, or military occupational specialty (MOS). However, individual units or schools may set higher standards for selection or qualification.