Army APFT Standards Explained (Legacy Guide)

The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) was long used to measure a Soldier’s baseline physical readiness through push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run.

While the Army has since transitioned to a newer fitness test, APFT standards are still widely referenced for historical context and legacy requirements.

This page is for individuals researching Army fitness standards, recruits preparing for basic training, and readers looking to understand how physical readiness was previously evaluated in the U.S. Army.

It explains APFT scoring expectations by age and gender and how those standards were applied during training.

Although the APFT is no longer the Army’s primary fitness assessment, understanding these standards helps clarify how physical readiness has traditionally been measured and how expectations evolved over time.

Below, you’ll find Army APFT standards for men and women by age group, along with frequently asked questions about scoring and preparation.

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

What People Get Wrong About APFT Standards

A common misconception is that the APFT is still the Army’s active fitness test. In reality, the Army now uses a different physical fitness assessment, and APFT standards are primarily referenced for historical or legacy purposes.

Another misunderstanding is that failing a single event automatically disqualifies a recruit. During basic training, recruits were often given time to improve, provided they met minimum standards by graduation.

Finally, APFT scores were sometimes viewed as fixed benchmarks. In practice, standards varied by age and gender, and expectations increased after basic training.

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.

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:

Air Force PT Test Standards

Navy PRT Standards

Marine Corps PFT Standards

Coast Guard PT Test Standards

Resources:

1. https://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/fitness-and-nutrition/exercise.html

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