The US Coast Guard is often not the first branch one thinks of when considering joining the US Military.
With that said, they do play a vital role in our nation’s security.
Just like the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, the Coast Guard has height and weight standards that must be met by anyone thinking of joining.
Like other branches, the Coast Guard takes several things into consideration when assessing the overall health of prospective members.
They include things like:
- Gender
- Body fat percentage
- Height
Coast Guard BMI Requirements
The U.S. Coast Guard uses a height and weight screening table based on body mass index (BMI) thresholds to initially assess the fitness of potential recruits.
According to their site, the Body Composition Standards Program manual:
“The Coast Guard’s screening weight standards are based on body mass index (BMI), a weight that corresponds with an individual’s height. The
Coast Guard established the BMI standard of 19.0 (minimum) and 27.5 (maximum),
regardless of age or gender.”
Here’s a chart that quickly assesses whether a recruit is above or below those BMI standards (*Note: Standards are current as of February 2026, and include data for both men and women):
| Height (inches) | Minimum Screening Weight (lbs.) | Maximum Screening Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 91 | 131 |
| 59 | 94 | 136 |
| 60 | 97 | 141 |
| 61 | 100 | 145 |
| 62 | 104 | 150 |
| 63 | 107 | 155 |
| 64 | 110 | 160 |
| 65 | 114 | 165 |
| 66 | 117 | 170 |
| 67 | 121 | 175 |
| 68 | 125 | 180 |
| 69 | 128 | 186 |
| 70 | 132 | 191 |
| 71 | 136 | 197 |
| 72 | 140 | 202 |
| 73 | 144 | 208 |
| 74 | 148 | 214 |
| 75 | 152 | 220 |
| 76 | 156 | 225 |
| 77 | 160 | 231 |
| 78 | 164 | 237 |
| 79 | 168 | 244 |
| 80 | 173 | 250 |
Prospective recruits who exceed screening weight limits may undergo additional body composition assessments.
Here are the body fat percentage requirements:
| Age | Percent Body Fat (Men) | Percent Body Fat (Women) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 30 years old | 22% | 32% |
| Less than 40 years old | 24% | 34% |
| Age 40 or greater | 26% | 36% |
All of these are based on the Coast Guard Body Composition Standards Program manual, last updated in February 2025.
What People Get Wrong About Coast Guard Height and Weight Requirements
A common misconception is that meeting the maximum weight listed on a chart is the only requirement for qualification.
In practice, weight screening is only the first step, and additional body composition assessments may be required if a recruit exceeds screening limits.
Another misunderstanding is that body mass index alone determines eligibility.
While BMI is used as an initial screening tool, it does not automatically disqualify a recruit, and further measurements may be used to assess body composition.
Some people believe the standards are applied differently based on age or gender.
According to published guidance referenced in this article, initial BMI screening thresholds are applied uniformly, with additional evaluations used when necessary.
There is also confusion about updates to standards.
Height, weight, and body composition policies may be revised over time, and published tables reflect the guidance in effect at the time they are issued.
Related Articles
Related Article: Air Force Height And Weight Requirements
Related Article: Navy Height And Weight Standards
Related Article:Â Marine Corps Height And Weight Standards
Related Article: Army Height And Weight Standards
References
- US Coast Guard (USCG) Grooming Standards Guide For 2026 - June 17, 2024
- Attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School - June 17, 2024
- Vet Tix Review: Your Go-To Guide - June 17, 2024
What is the minimum height requirement to attend the coast guard academy for a female?
The minimum height for the Coast Guard Academy is 60 inches for both men and women, though general Coast Guard enlistment may allow down to 58 inches subject to screening tables. You can find out more here: https://uscga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-26_Applicant_Handbook.pdf