ACFT Deadlift Standards: 3-Rep Max Passing Weight & Scoring Breakdown
Complete breakdown of Maximum Deadlift (MDL) point thresholds, hex bar loading criteria, and form rules under DA Form 705-TEST.
The minimum passing score on the ACFT 3-Rep Max Deadlift is 60 points, which requires lifting 140 pounds for male soldiers and 120 pounds for female soldiers across all age groups under active DA Form 705-TEST standards. To max the event with 100 points, male soldiers in the 17 to 21 age group must pull 340 pounds, while female soldiers must pull 230 pounds.
Before testing on the track, you can calculate your overall test score using our free Army ACFT calculator to see how deadlift poundage impacts your composite standing and body fat tape exemption eligibility.
Official ACFT Deadlift Standards by Age and Gender
The 3-Rep Max Deadlift (MDL) evaluates lower-body muscular strength using a 60-pound standard trap bar (hex bar). Scores scale linearly between the 60-point baseline and the 100-point ceiling:
| Age Cohort | Male Min Pass (60 Pts) | Male 80-Pt Benchmark | Male Max (100 Pts) | Female Min Pass (60 Pts) | Female 80-Pt Benchmark | Female Max (100 Pts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 to 21 | 140 lbs | 240 lbs | 340 lbs | 120 lbs | 170 lbs | 230 lbs |
| 22 to 26 | 140 lbs | 240 lbs | 340 lbs | 120 lbs | 180 lbs | 240 lbs |
| 27 to 31 | 140 lbs | 240 lbs | 340 lbs | 120 lbs | 180 lbs | 240 lbs |
| 32 to 36 | 140 lbs | 240 lbs | 340 lbs | 120 lbs | 170 lbs | 230 lbs |
| 37 to 41 | 140 lbs | 240 lbs | 340 lbs | 120 lbs | 170 lbs | 220 lbs |
| 42 to 46 | 140 lbs | 230 lbs | 330 lbs | 120 lbs | 160 lbs | 210 lbs |
| 47 to 51 | 140 lbs | 230 lbs | 320 lbs | 120 lbs | 160 lbs | 200 lbs |
| 52 to 56 | 140 lbs | 220 lbs | 300 lbs | 120 lbs | 150 lbs | 190 lbs |
| 57 to 61 | 140 lbs | 210 lbs | 280 lbs | 120 lbs | 150 lbs | 180 lbs |
| 62+ | 140 lbs | 200 lbs | 260 lbs | 120 lbs | 140 lbs | 170 lbs |
Standard Form Rules and Execution Protocol
The MDL is administered using official trap bars with neutral, high handles. Graders enforce strict form criteria:
- Starting Position: Step inside the hex bar, feet shoulder-width apart, and grip the center of the handles. Hips should remain lower than shoulders with a neutral spine.
- Ascent: Stand erect by extending hips and knees simultaneously. Complete lockout requires hips and knees fully extended with shoulders back.
- Touch and Go: The plates must touch the ground between repetitions. Bouncing the weights off the turf or rubber mats terminates the attempt.
- Failed Attempt Criteria: Dropping the weight, hitching the bar on the thighs, failing to reach full lockout, or excessive resting on the floor results in a failed repetition.
Impact on Body Fat Exemption
Deadlifting at or above your age group's 80-point threshold was once essential for the old 540-point tape test exemption (Army Directive 2023-08). That exemption was rescinded effective 31 May 2026, and no fitness score exempts a Soldier from body composition now: a waist-to-height ratio below 0.55 is the sole Army standard (Army Directive 2026-13).
The deadlift is one of five events, so pair it with the hand-release push-up standards.