Baseline

One rep max percentage chart

Training loads at each percentage of a one rep max. Most strength work sits between 70 and 90 per cent.

Estimated one rep max by load and repetitions (Epley)
Weight lifted1 reps2 reps3 reps5 reps8 reps10 reps12 reps
60 kg62 kg64 kg66 kg70 kg76 kg80 kg84 kg
80 kg82.7 kg85.3 kg88 kg93.3 kg101.3 kg106.7 kg112 kg
100 kg103.3 kg106.7 kg110 kg116.7 kg126.7 kg133.3 kg140 kg
120 kg124 kg128 kg132 kg140 kg152 kg160 kg168 kg
140 kg144.7 kg149.3 kg154 kg163.3 kg177.3 kg186.7 kg196 kg

How to read this chart

  • Find your one rep max down the left edge and read across to the percentage you want.
  • Roughly: 50 to 65 per cent for technique and speed work, 70 to 80 for hypertrophy, 80 to 90 for strength, above 90 for peaking.
  • These sit on top of an estimated maximum that already carries error. If a prescribed load feels much heavier than expected, adjust the weight rather than trusting the arithmetic.

Work it out for your own numbers

This chart is computed from the same equations as the calculator, so the two always agree.

One rep max calculator

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