WHAT IS A ONE REP MAX?
Your one rep max (1RM) is the maximum weight you can lift for a single repetition of an exercise with good form. This One Rep Max Calculator estimates that number from a set you've already completed, so you can find your max without attempting a risky all-out single.
How to use the One Rep Max Calculator
- Enter the weight you lifted and choose your unit (lb or kg).
- Set the number of reps you completed with that weight (best with a hard set of 1–5 reps).
- Read your estimated 1RM — the average of 7 strength formulas — instantly.
- Use the training percentage table to program your working sets for strength, power, or hypertrophy.
The 1RM formulas we use
Rather than rely on a single equation, this calculator averages seven peer-reviewed 1RM formulas for a more balanced estimate. For a weight w lifted for r reps:
- Epley: 1RM = w × (1 + r ÷ 30)
- Brzycki: 1RM = w × 36 ÷ (37 − r)
- Lander: 1RM = (100 × w) ÷ (101.3 − 2.67123 × r)
- Lombardi: 1RM = w × r^0.10
- Mayhew et al.: 1RM = (100 × w) ÷ (52.2 + 41.9 × e^(−0.055 × r))
- O'Conner et al.: 1RM = w × (1 + r ÷ 40)
- Wathan: 1RM = (100 × w) ÷ (48.8 + 53.8 × e^(−0.075 × r))
Estimates are most accurate for sets of 1–5 reps and gradually lose accuracy above 10 reps, where small differences in technique and conditioning have a larger effect.
Training off your estimated max
Once you know your 1RM, you can program every set as a percentage of it: heavy singles and doubles at 90–100% build maximal strength, 70–85% drives hypertrophy and power, and 50–65% suits warm-ups, technique work, and recovery. The percentage table above does this math for you in your chosen unit.