Bench Press Strength Calculator

Turn sets into a reliable strength estimate. Pick your formula, units, and rounding preferences quickly. Use the plan to add weight with confidence weekly.

Enter your set details

Calculations run internally in kg.
Optional, used only for strength category.
Choose 0 for no rounding.
Use the option you track in training.
Enter the full weight you pressed.
Optional if you only know plates.
Enter combined plates, collars included if used.
Best accuracy is 1–10 reps.
0 means to failure; 2 means two reps left.
Used to compute 1RM-to-bodyweight ratio.
Shown in exports only.
Average is usually the most stable.
Helps compare estimates.

Example data

Lifted Weight Reps RIR Estimated 1RM (Average) Training Max (90%)
60 kg81~80 kg~72 kg
80 kg50~93 kg~84 kg
90 kg31~105 kg~95 kg
100 kg20~107 kg~96 kg
110 kg10110 kg99 kg

Example numbers are rounded and may vary by formula.

Formulas used

This tool estimates your one-rep max (1RM) from a submax set. It uses multiple published 1RM equations and lets you pick one or use an average.

  • Epley: 1RM = W × (1 + R/30)
  • Brzycki: 1RM = W × 36 / (37 − R)
  • Lombardi: 1RM = W × R^0.10
  • O'Conner: 1RM = W × (1 + R/40)
  • Mayhew: 1RM = (100W) / (52.2 + 41.9e^(−0.055R))
  • Wathan: 1RM = (100W) / (48.8 + 53.8e^(−0.075R))
  • Lander: 1RM = (100W) / (101.3 − 2.67123R)

RIR adjustment: If you enter reps-in-reserve, the calculator uses effective reps = reps + RIR before applying the formulas.

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose units and your preferred rounding step.
  2. Enter a recent bench press set and reps.
  3. Add RIR if you stopped short of failure.
  4. Optionally enter bodyweight for a ratio estimate.
  5. Select an equation or keep the average option.
  6. Press Calculate to see 1RM and training targets.
  7. Use the percent table to plan future sessions.

Bench press strength guide

1) What this calculator estimates

It converts a submax bench press set into an estimated one-rep max (1RM). Enter weight, reps, and optional RIR. The output includes a selected 1RM, a 90% training max, and working weights from 50% to 100% for practical programming.

2) Why multiple formulas are shown

Different equations fit different training populations and rep ranges. At low reps, results are usually close. At higher reps, the spread grows because fatigue tolerance varies. Using the “Average” option reduces outliers and often tracks weekly progress more smoothly.

3) Best input ranges for reliable results

Accuracy is strongest between 1 and 10 reps. Around 5 reps is a common sweet spot because technique stays stable while effort is high. When reps exceed 12–15, small changes in pacing or pause length can change output more than actual strength changes.

4) Using RIR to match real effort

RIR (reps in reserve) estimates how many reps you could have done before failure. This tool uses effective reps = reps + RIR. For example, 80 kg × 5 with 2 RIR is treated like 7 effective reps, producing a higher but still reasonable 1RM estimate.

5) Interpreting the percentage table

Percentages turn your estimated 1RM into training targets. As a rule of thumb: 70–75% supports volume, 80–85% builds strength, and 90–95% practices heavy singles or doubles. If you feel slow or unstable, drop 2.5–5% and keep form crisp.

6) Planning a simple 4-week progression

Use the training max (90%) as your base. Week 1: 5×5 at ~75% TM. Week 2: 4×4 at ~80% TM. Week 3: 5×3 at ~85% TM. Week 4: 3×2 at ~90% TM, then retest an estimated 1RM.

7) Understanding the bodyweight ratio

If you enter bodyweight, the tool reports 1RM-to-bodyweight (e.g., 1.20× BW). This is useful for tracking relative strength during bulks or cuts. Compare only with consistent rules, like touch-and-go versus paused reps, and the same bar path.

8) Technique checks that affect the numbers

Small setup changes can shift your bench by 2–10%. Keep feet planted, shoulder blades retracted, and bar path consistent. Use the same grip width and pause standard when possible. For safer testing, add a spotter and avoid grinding reps to failure.

FAQs

1) Which formula should I choose?

If you want one stable number, choose Average. If you consistently train low reps, Epley or Brzycki often feel closer. The best choice is the one that matches your future performance when you test.

2) What reps range should I use?

Use 1–10 reps for the best reliability. Five reps is a common benchmark. If you use 12+ reps, treat results as a trend indicator rather than a precise max.

3) What does RIR mean?

RIR is how many reps you could still complete before failure. RIR 0 means you reached failure. RIR 2 means you stopped with two good reps left, so the estimate increases accordingly.

4) Why is my estimate higher than my true max?

Technique, pauses, fatigue, and day-to-day readiness can reduce a true 1RM. High-rep sets also inflate some formulas. Use the training max and weekly estimates to track progress without needing frequent maximal attempts.

5) What rounding step should I use?

Use the smallest increment you can load. Many gyms use 0.5–1 kg jumps with microplates, or 2.5 lb jumps. Rounding keeps targets practical and helps match real plate loading.

6) Should I enter bar weight and plates?

Use that mode if it matches how you record training. Enter bar weight and the combined plates from both sides. The tool adds them to produce total lifted weight before applying the chosen 1RM formula.

7) How often should I update my numbers?

Update after a hard top set once per week, using similar technique each time. Recalculate if you change tempo, add long pauses, or switch equipment. Testing a true 1RM every 8–16 weeks is enough for most lifters.

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