One Rep Max Calculator (1RM Calculator)

Estimate your one rep max with 7 research-backed formulas side-by-side — Epley, Brzycki, Lombardi, O'Conner, Wathan, Lander & Mayhew — plus agreement analysis, a %1RM table, reverse reps calculator and a warmup set planner. Free, no signup, 100% private.

Honest scope: 1RM calculators estimate — they don't measure. Accuracy is best at 1–5 reps and degrades past 10–12 reps, where the formulas visibly diverge (that's exactly what the agreement analysis below shows you). Use the range, not a single number, and never attempt a true max at the gym without a spotter and safeties. Not for conditioning work like jump rope — these formulas are built for loaded sets of 1–12 reps. Estimates only — not coaching or medical advice.

The calculator

Units:

Enter your numbers above — all 7 formulas compute instantly.

Privacy: every calculation happens locally in your browser. Your weights and reps never leave your device — no server, no tracking, no account.

The 7 one rep max formulas, verified

Each formula below is the canonical published form (w = weight, r = reps). We cross-checked every equation against the published literature — including the well-known property that Epley and Brzycki return identical results at exactly 10 reps (both give 133.3 for 100 × 10).

Epley (1985)

1RM = w × (1 + r/30)

The most popular formula overall — versatile across rep ranges and the basis of Wendler's 5/3/1 estimation (weight × reps × 0.0333 + weight is the same equation).

Epley, B. (1985).

Brzycki (1993)

1RM = w × 36 / (37 − r)

Extremely popular for bench press and upper-body lifts. Highly accurate under 10 reps; identical to Epley at r = 10.

Brzycki, M. (1993).

Lombardi (1989)

1RM = w × r0.10

Exponential form favored in powerlifting for precision at high intensities and low rep ranges (1–5).

Lombardi, V. P. (1989).

O'Conner et al.

1RM = w × (1 + 0.025 × r)

Simple and conservative — best suited to very low rep ranges (2–4).

O'Conner et al.

Wathan (1994)

1RM = 100×w / (48.8 + 53.8 × e−0.075×r)

Exponential fit to empirical data; strong in mid rep ranges.

Wathan, D. (1994).

Lander (1985)

1RM = 100×w / (101.3 − 2.67123×r)

Conservative estimates from Southern Illinois University research — frequently recommended for heavy compounds like deadlift and squat, and for novice lifters.

Lander, J. (1985).

Mayhew et al. (1992)

1RM = 100×w / (52.2 + 41.9 × e−0.055×r)

Exponential model widely used in research settings.

Mayhew et al. (1992).

Why side-by-side beats a single formula

No single 1RM equation is "the most accurate" for everyone — each was fitted to different lifters and rep ranges. Most online calculators pick one formula (usually Epley or Brzycki) and hand you a single number, hiding the uncertainty. This tool shows all seven at once plus an agreement analysis: the range (spread), mean, median and standard deviation across formulas, with outliers flagged. A tight cluster means high confidence; a wide spread — typical above 10 reps — tells you to treat the number cautiously and use the conservative end.

Worked example

Bench press 100 kg × 5 reps:

One rep max by lift

The math is the same for every lift — what changes is which formula lifters trust most for it. These are the most-searched exercises for 1RM estimation:

For weighted bodyweight moves (dips, pull-ups, push-ups), enter total weight = bodyweight + added weight. Pure high-rep bodyweight work (push-ups to failure at 30+ reps, calisthenics circuits) and grip-strength tests don't fit these formulas — they're designed for loaded barbell-style sets of 1–12 reps.

Using multiple sets, 5×5 and goal setting

Multiple sets? Use your single best set (heaviest weight × most reps) — the formulas take one weight×reps pair. A common approach: take the top set of your 5×5 (e.g. 100 kg × 5 on the last set) straight into the calculator; 5 reps sits in the formulas' sweet spot. Goal calculator use: flip to "1RM → reps" mode and enter your target 1RM — it shows what you should be repping at each weight on the way there. That's also your 1RM conversion in reverse: the %1RM table converts any max into training weights.

A note on RPE-based estimation

Some lifters estimate 1RM from RPE (rate of perceived exertion) using RPE×reps charts (e.g., "8 reps @ RPE 9 ≈ 5% below max"). This tool doesn't take RPE input — the evidence base for the seven rep-based formulas above is far stronger and directly verifiable, so we show those instead of layering a second estimate on top.

How this compares to other 1RM calculators

FeatureThis tool (nrtechstudio)overcalculator.comvbtcoach.comcalculators.im
Formulas shown7, side-by-side37 (averaged only)1 per page
Agreement analysis (spread, std dev, outliers)YesNoNoNo
%1RM tableYes (95–50%)NoNoNo
Warmup set calculatorYesNoNoNo
Reverse (1RM → reps)Yes, per formulaNoNoNo
100% client-side / privateYesYesYesYes

Comparison checked October 2026 from the public pages of each tool. Features change over time — verify on their sites.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate are one rep max calculators?

They're estimates, not measurements — most accurate at 1–5 reps, less reliable past 10–12 reps where formulas diverge. Comparing several formulas side-by-side gives a realistic range instead of one possibly-misleading number.

What is the most accurate one rep max formula?

No single formula wins for everyone. Epley and Brzycki are the most broadly validated; Brzycki suits bench press, Lander suits heavy deadlifts/squats, Lombardi suits 1–5 reps. This calculator shows all seven so you can see where they agree.

How do one rep max calculators work?

They use regression equations fitted to real lifting data: enter a weight and the reps you managed, and the formula extrapolates your single-rep maximum. Epley, for example, multiplies weight by (1 + reps/30).

How do I calculate my 1RM for bench press, squat or deadlift?

Do a heavy set of 2–10 clean reps to near failure, enter the weight and reps above, and pick your lift for context. Brzycki/Epley for bench, Lander for deadlift/squat is the common guidance.

What is the Epley formula?

1RM = weight × (1 + reps/30). Example: 100 kg × 5 reps → 116.7 kg. Published 1985; also the equation behind Wendler's 5/3/1 estimation.

What is the Brzycki formula?

1RM = weight × 36/(37 − reps). Example: 100 kg × 8 reps → ≈124.1 kg. Published 1993; identical to Epley at exactly 10 reps.

What is the Jim Wendler 1RM formula?

Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 uses 1RM = weight × reps × 0.0333 + weight — algebraically the same as Epley. This tool's Epley result is your Wendler number.

Why do different formulas give different results?

Each was fitted to different lifters and rep ranges, so they extrapolate differently — especially above 8–10 reps. The spread itself is useful: tight cluster = high confidence.

Are 1RM calculators accurate for women?

The formulas have no gender term — they map weight×reps to an estimated max for any lifter. Women use the same equations; validate against your own training data over time.

How does my 1RM compare to strength standards?

Strength standards (bodyweight ratios like "1.5× bodyweight squat") vary by source and federation, so this calculator doesn't hard-code any single table as truth. A practical rule: divide your estimated 1RM by your bodyweight — that ratio is what most standard charts are built on. Compare it against the chart you trust, from a source that matches your sex, age and training style.

Does age affect the estimate?

The standard formulas ignore age, so consider the conservative end of the range (Lander, O'Conner) if you're masters-aged, and youth lifters should only use estimates under qualified supervision, and prioritize technique and safety.

How should I warm up for a 1RM test?

Progressive sets — about 40%×8, 55%×5, 70%×3, 80%×2, 90%×1 — with 2–4 minutes rest between heavy sets. The calculator generates this ladder from your estimated max.

How do I use 1RM percentages?

Typical programming: 85–95% for maximal strength, 70–85% for hypertrophy, 60–70% for endurance. The %1RM table converts your max automatically.

Can I calculate reps from my max (reverse)?

Yes — switch to "1RM → reps" mode. Each formula inverts (Wathan and Mayhew can't invert at extreme ratios and show "—" there).

What rep range is most accurate?

1–5 reps. Sets of 6–10 are still reasonable with Epley/Brzycki; above 10–12, accuracy drops and formulas disagree more.

Does it work for dumbbells, machines or bodyweight?

Any exercise with a known weight and reps: dumbbell bench, dips (bodyweight + added), hip thrust, leg press, curls. Pure bodyweight moves without added load don't fit the formulas.

Is it safe to test my true 1RM?

True max testing is taxing and risky without experience, warmup, a spotter and safeties — which is exactly why estimation from a 3–5 rep set exists. Estimates here are for training guidance, not medical or coaching advice.

Is my data private?

Yes — everything runs locally in your browser. No server, no tracking, no account.

Which formula should beginners use?

Start with the median across all seven, or the conservative Lander estimate. Beginners' true maxes are often technique-limited, so any formula tends to read slightly high — use 90–95% of the estimate for programming.

How do I figure out my 1 rep max without maxing out?

To find your 1RM without maxing out: warm up thoroughly, then do one heavy set of 3–5 reps, stopping 1–2 reps shy of failure. Enter that weight and rep count above — the seven formulas extrapolate your max from there. No grinder single needed.

What is a 1RM goal calculator?

It's the reverse direction: enter the hypothetical 1RM you're chasing (a theoretical goal) and see what weights and reps you should be hitting now. Use "1RM → reps" mode above with your target max — the per-formula rep predictions double as milestones.

Can I use my 5x5 sets in a 1RM calculator?

Yes — take your heaviest successful set of the 5x5 (usually the last set of 5) and enter it. Five reps is squarely in every formula's accurate zone, so 5×5 data converts very reliably.

Can I estimate 1RM from RPE instead of reps?

RPE-based charts exist, but this tool sticks to the seven rep-based formulas because their evidence base is stronger and each equation is directly verifiable. If you track RPE, convert it first: "8 reps @ RPE 9" ≈ an 8-rep set, which you can enter directly.

Related tools

Training math companions on nrtechstudio.com: running pace predictor (when it's published), plus our full free online tools directory.

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