What Is A Good ACFT Score?

For every soldier, understanding what is a good ACFT score is paramount. It’s more than just a number; it reflects readiness, discipline, and commitment to the demanding physical standards of military service. This article delves deep into the nuances of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and the evolving Army Fitness Test (AFT), aiming to provide a definitive guide on this crucial topic, how to achieve it, and how to leverage modern tools like an ACFT calculator for optimal performance.

What is a Good ACFT Score? Demystifying the Army Combat Fitness Test 🇺🇸

Initially implemented to better mimic the physical demands of combat situations and reduce musculoskeletal injuries, the ACFT aimed to provide a comprehensive measure of strength, power, agility, speed, and endurance. While the initial ACFT 1.0, 2.0, and other versions aimed for a gender- and age-neutral assessment, feedback and data led to significant adjustments. The latest iteration, sometimes referred to as ACFT 9.0 or ACFT 5.0 in discussion, reflects these refinements.

A significant development to note is the transition from the ACFT to the new Army Fitness Test (AFT), which officially began on June 1, 2025. This evolution brings crucial changes, notably the removal of the Standing Power Throw. Understanding these ongoing adjustments is key to grasping acft standards 2024 and beyond. Ultimately, a “good” score isn’t just about passing; it’s about exceeding minimums and demonstrating superior physical prowess, which can profoundly impact a soldier’s career progression and overall readiness.

Understanding the ACFT: Events and Scoring System 📊

To truly understand what is a good score on the ACFT, one must first comprehend the components that make up the test and how they are scored. The ACFT, and now the AFT, comprises a series of challenging events designed to assess different aspects of a soldier’s physical fitness.

The Six (or Five) Challenging Events of the ACFT

The ACFT traditionally consisted of six events. With the advent of the AFT, this has been streamlined to five. Let’s explore each, including the recently removed event:

• Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL) 🏋️: This event assesses muscular strength, specifically in the lower body, grip, and core. Soldiers lift the maximum weight possible three times using a hex bar. It simulates lifting heavy objects like ammunition boxes or a wounded comrade. Achieving a high score here demonstrates significant raw power.
• Standing Power Throw (SPT) – Note: Removed in the AFT as of June 1, 2025: Previously, this event measured explosive power by having soldiers throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead as far as possible. Its removal was influenced by concerns about mechanical leverage benefiting taller soldiers and its correlation to injury rates rather than combat effectiveness.
• Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP) 💪: This event gauges muscular endurance of the upper body. Soldiers perform as many push-ups as possible in two minutes, with a full hand release from the ground at the bottom of each repetition. It emphasizes consistent, controlled movement.
• Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) 🏃💨: A comprehensive test of muscular endurance, strength, anaerobic power, and anaerobic endurance. Soldiers complete five 50-meter shuttles involving sprints, dragging a 90-pound sled, lateral shuffles, and carrying two 40-pound kettlebells. This event simulates moving quickly with gear or a casualty in a combat scenario.
• Plank (PLK) 🧘: Measuring core strength and endurance, the plank requires soldiers to hold a proper plank position for as long as possible. This event replaced the Leg Tuck due to issues with upper body strength disparities and provides a more equitable measure of core stability.
• Two-Mile Run (2MR) ⏱️: This traditional event assesses aerobic endurance. Soldiers run two miles for time on a measured course, emphasizing cardiovascular fitness crucial for sustained operations.

ACFT Scoring Standards: Passing, Competitive, and Max Scores

The ACFT score is derived from a point system, with each event graded on a scale from 0 to 100 points. The total acft max score is 600 points. To pass the test, soldiers must achieve a minimum of 60 points in each event, totaling a minimum army acft passing score of 300 points.

However, the definition of a good acft score extends beyond simply passing. For combat specialties under the new AFT, a sex-neutral, age-normed standard requires a total score of 350, with a minimum of 60 points per event. For combat enabling specialties, age- and sex-normed scoring remains with a total passing score of 300.

What is generally considered a good acft score? Military.com data reveals that scoring above 540 points can lead to exemptions from body fat assessments, signifying excellent physical condition. This acft scoring guide emphasizes that higher scores translate to increased promotion potential. Understanding your acft percentiles can also provide context on how your performance stacks up against peers. The new army acft score chart reflects these nuanced standards, continually adapting to ensure soldiers are optimally prepared for the rigors of service. For example, a 563/600 is an exemplary score, showcasing elite-level fitness.

Analyzing Average ACFT Scores: Where Do You Stand? 🎯

When considering what is the average acft score, it’s helpful to look at real-world data. Insights from Military.com provide a clear picture of average army acft score across different components and genders, offering a benchmark for soldiers to assess their performance.

Average ACFT Scores by Component and Service (Military.com Data)

The data suggests that most soldiers are successfully passing the ACFT, with high pass rates across the board. For active-duty men, 98% pass, and for active-duty women, 95% pass. In the National Guard, 96% of men and 90% of women pass, while in the Army Reserve, 95% of men and 90% of women achieve a passing score.

More significantly, the percentage of soldiers scoring 540 and above – a benchmark for exemption from body fat testing – indicates a higher standard of excellence. 29% of active-duty men and 18% of active-duty women achieve this high mark. For the National Guard, these figures are 11% for men and 7% for women, and for the Army Reserve, 10% for men and 6% for women. These figures illuminate acft scores that truly set individuals apart.

Let’s examine the average acft score male and female across various events:

Average ACFT Scores for Active-Duty Soldiers:

• Men:
  • Deadlift: 86
  • Standing Power Throw: 81
  • Hand Release Push-Up: 85
  • Sprint Drag Carry: 85
  • Plank: 82 (acft plank score)
  • Two-Mile Run: 78
• Women:
  • Deadlift: 83
  • Standing Power Throw: 78
  • Hand Release Push-Up: 83
  • Sprint Drag Carry: 82
  • Plank: 76 (acft plank scores)
  • Two-Mile Run: 70

Average ACFT Scores for National Guard Soldiers:

• Men:
  • Deadlift: 78
  • Standing Power Throw: 78
  • Hand Release Push-Up: 77
  • Sprint Drag Carry: 79
  • Plank: 73
  • Two-Mile Run: 71
• Women:
  • Deadlift: 74
  • Standing Power Throw: 76
  • Hand Release Push-Up: 75
  • Sprint Drag Carry: 77
  • Plank: 69
  • Two-Mile Run: 65

Average ACFT Scores for Army Reserve Soldiers:

• Men:
  • Deadlift: 74
  • Standing Power Throw: 77
  • Hand Release Push-Up: 76
  • Sprint Drag Carry: 77
  • Plank: 73
  • Two-Mile Run: 68
• Women:
  • Deadlift: 73
  • Standing Power Throw: 75
  • Hand Release Push-Up: 76
  • Sprint Drag Carry: 75
  • Plank: 69
  • Two-Mile Run: 61

These averages underscore that simply meeting the army acft passing score of 60 points per event (or 300 total) means a soldier is performing below average in most categories. To achieve a truly good acft score and rise above the acft average score, consistent and dedicated training is essential. The army acft grading system rewards consistent high performance across all events.

The ACFT Calculator: Your Tool for Success 📱

In the journey to achieving a truly good acft score, an ACFT calculator can be an invaluable asset. This digital tool simplifies the complex scoring system, allowing soldiers to track their progress, set realistic goals, and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

What is the ACFT Calculator?

An ACFT calculator is an online or application-based tool designed to convert raw performance data from each ACFT event (e.g., deadlift weight, plank hold time, run time) into standardized ACFT scores. It typically incorporates the latest ACFT standards 2024 or 2024 acft standards, including age and gender-normed scoring scales. Some might even specify acft 9.0 or acft 5.0 to denote the version of the standards they adhere to.

Why Use an ACFT Calculator?

Using an ACFT calculator offers several significant advantages for soldiers:

• Immediate Feedback: Instantly see your score for each event and your total ACFT score.
• Goal Setting: Helps in setting realistic and achievable fitness goals for each event.
• Identifying Weaknesses: Pinpoints which events you need to focus on for improvement.
• Motivation: Provides a clear visual representation of progress, which can be highly motivating.
• Preparation: Helps in preparing for the actual test by simulating the scoring process.
• Strategic Training: Enables soldiers to develop targeted training plans based on their current scores and desired outcomes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the ACFT Calculator 📝

Using an ACFT calculator is straightforward. While specific interfaces may vary, the general steps remain consistent:

Step 1: Access the Calculator Navigate to a reputable online ACFT calculator or download a dedicated app. Ensure it uses the most current acft army scores and standards.

Step 2: Input Personal Details Most calculators will ask for your age and gender. This is crucial because acft standards and scoring are now age- and gender-dependent for most occupational specialties.

Step 3: Enter Your Raw Scores for Each Event For each ACFT event you’ve completed, input your raw performance data:

• Deadlift (MDL): Enter the maximum weight you successfully lifted for three repetitions (e.g., 250 lbs).
• Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP): Enter the total number of repetitions you completed within the two-minute time limit (e.g., 45 reps).
• Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): Enter your completion time in minutes and seconds (e.g., 1:35 for 1 minute, 35 seconds).
• Plank (PLK): Enter the time you held the plank position in minutes and seconds (e.g., 3:10 for 3 minutes, 10 seconds).
• Two-Mile Run (2MR): Enter your completion time in minutes and seconds (e.g., 15:45 for 15 minutes, 45 seconds).

Step 4: Calculate Your Score Click the “Calculate” or “Get Score” button. The calculator will process your inputs based on the official army acft grading scales.

Step 5: Review Your Results The calculator will display:

• Individual Event Scores: Points earned for each event (e.g., 85 points for MDL).
• Total ACFT Score: Your cumulative score out of 600.
• Pass/Fail Status: An indication of whether you met the minimum passing score acft requirements.
• Performance Tiers: Some advanced calculators might show which performance tier you fall into (e.g., “Gold,” “Silver,” “Bronze” or simply indicating if you are above average acft score male).

Key Features of a Good ACFT Calculator

A truly effective ACFT calculator goes beyond basic scoring. Look for these features:

• Up-to-Date Standards: Ensures it reflects the latest acft standards 2024 and any changes to the AFT.
• Clear Interface: Easy to navigate and understand.
• Age and Gender Norming: Accurately applies the correct scoring scales based on demographics.
• Detailed Breakdowns: Shows points for each event and the overall total.
• Performance Benchmarks: May include comparisons to average scores or percentile rankings.
• Training Tips (Optional but helpful): Some calculators might offer advice based on your scores.

Proper Example of Using the Calculator

Let’s imagine a 28-year-old male soldier uses an ACFT calculator with the following raw scores:

• MDL: 260 lbs
• HRP: 50 reps
• SDC: 1:40
• PLK: 3:30
• 2MR: 14:30

After inputting these values into a calculator, the results might show:

• MDL Score: 90 points
• HRP Score: 88 points
• SDC Score: 85 points
• PLK Score: 80 points
• 2MR Score: 82 points
• Total ACFT Score: 425 points

In this example, the soldier has a good acft score of 425, comfortably above the passing threshold and demonstrating solid performance across all events. This score would likely place them well within the acft percentiles for their age and gender group, indicating strong overall fitness.

Training for a High ACFT Score: Beyond the Basics 🏋️‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Achieving a good acft score is a result of consistent, intelligent training, not just last-minute cramming. The Army’s emphasis on Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) underscores the importance of a well-rounded approach to physical readiness.

Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Philosophy

The H2F system focuses on five domains: Physical, Sleep, Nutrition, Mental, and Spiritual. For the ACFT and AFT, this means training isn’t just about lifting weights or running. It’s about optimizing recovery, fueling your body correctly, and maintaining mental resilience. This comprehensive approach is designed to produce healthier, more resilient soldiers capable of sustained high performance, which directly impacts your army pt score chart.

Training Strategies for Each Event

To elevate your acft score in each event, consider these targeted strategies:

• Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL): Focus on progressive overload with hex bar deadlifts. Incorporate accessory exercises like Romanian deadlifts, good mornings, and glute-ham raises to strengthen supporting muscle groups. Emphasize proper form to prevent injury.
• Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP): Increase your push-up volume. Practice different variations like incline/decline push-ups, plyometric push-ups, and regular bench presses to build upper body and core strength endurance.
• Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): This event requires a blend of power, speed, and endurance. Incorporate interval training, sled pushes/pulls, farmer’s carries with kettlebells, and lateral shuffles into your routine. Practice the full SDC sequence to master transitions and pacing.
• Plank (PLK): Beyond standard planks, integrate variations like side planks, weighted planks, and stability ball planks to build robust core stability. Gradually increase your hold time.
• Two-Mile Run (2MR): Improve your aerobic endurance through consistent long-distance runs, interval training (e.g., track repeats), and tempo runs. Focus on improving your acft average score for this event.

The key to all these is functional fitness – training movements that mimic real-world combat tasks, aligning with the core purpose of the acft military test.

The Importance of Consistency and Progressive Overload

No single workout will significantly improve your ACFT score. Consistency is paramount. Regular training sessions, ideally 3-5 times a week, focusing on all fitness components, will yield the best results. Additionally, implement progressive overload – gradually increasing the demands on your body over time, whether by adding weight, reps, time, or decreasing rest periods. This ensures continuous adaptation and improvement.

ACFT vs. APFT: A New Era of Army Fitness

The transition from the traditional Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) to the ACFT marked a pivotal shift in the Army’s approach to physical readiness. The APFT, primarily measuring push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run, assessed muscular endurance and aerobic capacity but fell short in evaluating strength, power, and agility – critical components for combat effectiveness.

The ACFT was developed to address these gaps, aiming to be a more accurate predictor of a soldier’s ability to perform essential warrior tasks and battle drills. While the APFT could predict about 40% of success in combat tasks, the ACFT aimed for an 80% prediction rate. This paradigm shift ensures that the army acft standards are directly aligned with the physical rigors soldiers face in operational environments. The army pt score chart of the past has been replaced by a more dynamic and comprehensive evaluation.

Achieving Excellence: What is the Average ACFT Score and Beyond? 🚀

Ultimately, what is a good acft score depends on individual goals and career aspirations. While the acft passing score serves as the baseline, striving for a higher score, well above the average acft score male or female, opens doors to better promotion opportunities and demonstrates a higher level of physical readiness. A score of 563/600 is not just impressive; it’s a testament to exceptional dedication and peak physical condition.

The Army Combat Fitness Test and its evolution into the AFT represent a commitment to building a more resilient, capable, and combat-ready force. By understanding the test’s components, utilizing tools like the ACFT calculator, and committing to holistic, progressive training, every soldier can aim for a truly outstanding performance, ensuring they are not just fit for duty, but fit for the fight. Keep pushing your limits, and your scores will reflect your unwavering commitment to excellence! ✨