💪

One Rep Max Calculator (1RM)

Estimate your one-rep max from a sub-max set. Compares Epley, Brzycki, Lander, Lombardi, Mayhew, O'Conner, and Wathan formulas.

HEALTH

Estimate your one-rep max (1RM) for bench press, squat, deadlift, or any compound lift from a sub-max set. Compares seven validated formulas (Epley, Brzycki, Lander, Lombardi, Mayhew, O'Conner, Wathan) and outputs a training-percentage table.

Each formula reaches 1RM from weight × reps differently. Epley: 1RM = w × (1 + r/30). Brzycki: 1RM = w × 36/(37-r). They converge for 1-5 reps and diverge above 10. Use a true near-failure set (1 rep in reserve) for accuracy. The percentage table maps 1RM percentages to typical rep ranges: 90%+ for singles, 80% for 6-8 reps, 70% for 10-12 reps, 60% for 15+.

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Actual 1RM varies with form, fatigue, technique. Always test under a spotter for true 1RM attempts.

One Rep Max Calculator (1RM)

Estimate your one-rep max (1RM) for bench press, squat, deadlift, or any lift from a sub-max set. Compare Epley, Brzycki, Lander, Lombardi, Mayhew, O'Conner, and Wathan formulas.

Use a set taken to true failure (or 1 rep short). 1RM formulas lose accuracy above 10 reps.
Estimated 1RM (average of formulas)
260 lbs

By Formula

FormulaEstimate
Epley263 lbs
Brzycki253 lbs
Lander256 lbs
Lombardi264 lbs
Mayhew268 lbs
O'Conner253 lbs
Wathan262 lbs

Training Percentages (% of 1RM)

PercentRepsRIRlbs
100%10260
95%20-1247
93%30-1242
90%40-1234
87%51226
85%61-2221
83%71-2216
80%82208
77%92200
75%102-3195
70%123182
65%153-4169
60%204+156

How 1RM Calculation Works

Your one-rep max (1RM) is the heaviest weight you can lift for a single rep with full range of motion. Testing it directly is risky and tiring, so coaches estimate 1RM from a sub-max set using validated formulas. The Epley formula is the most common: 1RM = weight × (1 + reps/30). Brzycki: 1RM = weight × 36/(37-reps). These give similar results for 1-5 reps but diverge as reps climb.

Use a true near-failure set for accuracy. If you did 225 lbs × 5 reps with 1 rep in reserve (RIR 1), your estimated 1RM is around 257 lbs (Epley: 225 × 1.167 = 263; Brzycki: 225 × 1.125 = 253). Above 10 reps, the formulas overestimate because muscular endurance and 1RM strength are governed by different physiology.

Training percentages of 1RM drive program design: 90%+ for max strength singles, 80-90% for heavy 3-5s, 70-80% for hypertrophy 6-10s, 60-70% for moderate-volume 10-15s. Stick to compound lifts (bench, squat, deadlift, OHP) for 1RM testing - isolation exercises like curls do not have well-validated 1RM formulas.

Estimates only. Actual 1RM varies with form, fatigue, technique, and individual physiology. Always test under a spotter for true 1RM attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the 1RM calculator?
For 1-5 rep sets taken to true near-failure, 1RM formulas are accurate within about 5%. Above 10 reps they get unreliable because muscular endurance and 1RM strength involve different physiology. The seven formulas (Epley, Brzycki, Lander, Lombardi, Mayhew, O'Conner, Wathan) typically agree within 5-15 lbs at submaximal reps - the average is more reliable than any single formula.
Should I actually test my 1RM?
For most lifters: no. Testing 1RM is taxing, injury-prone, and the result drifts with daily fatigue, sleep, and recent training. Estimating from a 3-5 rep max gives you the same training prescription with much lower risk. Powerlifters do test in meets, but they peak for weeks beforehand and have judges, spotters, and equipment standards.
How do I program with 1RM percentages?
Strength work: 80-95% for 1-5 reps, 3-6 sets. Hypertrophy: 65-80% for 6-12 reps, 3-5 sets. Endurance: 50-65% for 12-20 reps, 2-4 sets. Most evidence-based programs cycle through these zones (linear or undulating periodization). For most natural lifters, 70-85% range produces the best size-and-strength returns.