The APFT 2-min push-up test is a test of upper body strength endurance. The aim of this test is to perform as many push-ups as you can in two minutes. This test forms part of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), performed by US Army personnel every six months. This test has been superseded by the Hand Release Push-Up Test as part of the new ACFT.

army pushup test being performed

The push-up test remains a fundamental measure of upper body strength endurance

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these simple steps to calculate your APFT push-up score:

  1. Enter Your Age - Input your current age in years. You must be at least 17 years old to take the APFT.
  2. Select Your Gender - Choose male or female. Scoring standards differ between genders to account for physiological differences.
  3. Enter Your Push-Up Count - Input the number of correctly performed push-ups you completed during the 2-minute test period.
  4. Click Calculate - Your score will be displayed instantly along with your rating and training recommendations.

Pro Tip: Use the quick presets to see common passing and maximum scores for different age groups. This helps set training goals.

Understanding APFT Push-Up Standards

Test Purpose: The APFT push-up event measures the strength endurance of the chest, shoulder, and triceps muscles. It evaluates a soldier's ability to perform repetitive upper body movements under time pressure.

Equipment Required: A flat surface or floor mat is needed. No additional equipment is necessary.

Pre-Test Procedures

Before conducting the test, proper preparation is essential. Explain the test procedures to the participant, perform health screening, and obtain informed consent. Record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, and test conditions. Perform a standard warm-up including arm circles, shoulder stretches, and 5-10 practice push-ups. See more details of pre-test procedures.

Test Procedure

The starting position is with your arms straight, hands a comfortable distance apart, body straight from head to heels. Feet may be up to 12 inches apart. On the command 'get set,' assume the starting position. On the command 'go,' begin the push-up by bending your elbows and lowering your body until your upper arms are at least parallel to the ground, then return to the starting position with arms fully extended.

Pausing to rest is permitted only in the authorized rest position (front leaning rest - arms straight, body in starting position), though you must return to and pause in the correct starting position before continuing. If you rest on the ground or raise either hand or foot from the ground, the test will be terminated.

APFT Push-Up Scoring System

The APFT uses a point-based scoring system ranging from 0 to 100 points for each event. The push-up event requires a minimum of 60 points to pass. Scoring standards are adjusted based on age group and gender to account for physiological differences.

Male Standards (Selected Age Groups)

Age Group Min (60 pts) Max (100 pts)
17-21 42 71
22-26 40 75
27-31 39 77
32-36 36 75
37-41 34 73
42+ 30 66

Female Standards (Selected Age Groups)

Age Group Min (60 pts) Max (100 pts)
17-21 19 42
22-26 17 46
27-31 17 50
32-36 15 45
37-41 13 40
42+ 12 37

Training to Improve Your APFT Push-Up Score

Improving your push-up performance requires a structured training approach that combines strength building with muscular endurance. Here are evidence-based strategies used by military personnel and athletes:

Progressive Overload Training

Start with your current maximum and add 2-3 reps each week. If you can perform 30 push-ups, aim for 32-33 the following week. This gradual progression prevents overtraining while building sustainable strength gains.

Pyramid Sets

Pyramid training is highly effective for building push-up endurance. Perform sets in ascending then descending order: 2-4-6-8-10-8-6-4-2 reps with 30-60 seconds rest between sets. This totals 50 push-ups while managing fatigue.

Grease the Groove Method

Perform submaximal sets of push-ups throughout the day. If your max is 40 push-ups, do sets of 15-20 multiple times daily. This neural training improves efficiency without excessive fatigue.

Supplementary Exercises

Strengthen supporting muscle groups with exercises like bench press, dumbbell chest fly, tricep dips, and plank holds. A strong core is essential for maintaining proper push-up form under fatigue.

Pro Tip: Practice the exact test format regularly. Perform timed 2-minute sets to condition your body and mind for the actual test pace and fatigue pattern.

Common Push-Up Form Mistakes

Incorrect form results in repetitions not being counted. Avoid these common errors:

  • Sagging Hips - Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels. Engage your core throughout the movement.
  • Incomplete Range of Motion - Upper arms must reach parallel to the ground on the down phase. Arms must fully extend on the up phase.
  • Lifting Hands or Feet - Any lifting of hands or feet terminates the test immediately.
  • Resting Improperly - Only rest in the front leaning rest position with arms straight. Resting on the ground ends the test.
  • Head Position - Keep your head in neutral alignment with your spine. Looking up or tucking the chin affects body position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good APFT push-up score?

A score of 80+ points is considered good performance on the APFT push-up event. Achieving 90+ points demonstrates excellent upper body strength endurance. The maximum score of 100 points indicates exceptional fitness. Minimum passing is 60 points.

How many push-ups do I need to pass the APFT?

The minimum varies by age and gender. For males aged 17-21, the minimum is 42 push-ups. For females aged 17-21, it's 19 push-ups. Requirements generally decrease with age. Use the calculator above to find your specific standard.

What is the correct form for APFT push-ups?

Start with arms straight, hands shoulder-width apart, body straight from head to heels. Lower your body until upper arms are parallel to the ground, then push back up to full arm extension. Feet may be up to 12 inches apart.

How long do I have to complete the APFT push-up test?

You have exactly 2 minutes to complete as many correctly performed push-ups as possible. You may rest in the authorized position (front leaning rest with arms straight), but must return to starting position before continuing.

Is the APFT still used by the Army?

The APFT was officially replaced by the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) in October 2022. However, APFT standards remain valuable for training benchmarks, historical comparison, and some reserve units may still reference them for conditioning purposes.

What happens if I fail the APFT push-up event?

Under the APFT system, failing any event meant failing the entire test. Soldiers had opportunities to retake the test after a remedial training period. Consistent failure could affect promotions, assignments, and retention.

How often should I train push-ups to improve my score?

Train push-ups 3-4 times per week for optimal results. Allow at least 48 hours between intense sessions for muscle recovery. Include a mix of max-effort sets, pyramid training, and endurance work for comprehensive development.

References

  1. Department of the Army. (2012). "FM 7-22 Army Physical Readiness Training." Headquarters, Department of the Army.
  2. Department of the Army. (1998). "FM 21-20 Physical Fitness Training." Headquarters, Department of the Army.
  3. Kraemer, W.J., & Fleck, S.J. (2007). "Optimizing Strength Training: Designing Nonlinear Periodization Workouts." Human Kinetics.
  4. American College of Sports Medicine. (2021). "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription." 11th Edition.
  5. National Strength and Conditioning Association. (2016). "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning." 4th Edition.
  6. Harman, E.A., et al. (2008). "Prediction of simulated battlefield physical performance from field-expedient tests." Military Medicine, 173(1).
  7. Wood, R. (2025). "Push-Up Fitness Testing Protocols." TopEndSports.com.