# Bench Press Calculator - Find Your 1RM

Created by Filip Derma, Arturo Barrantes and Łucja Zaborowska, MD, PhD candidate
Reviewed by Bogna Szyk and Jack Bowater
Based on research by
García-Ramos A, Barboza-González P, Ulloa-Díaz D, Rodriguez-Perea A, Martinez-Garcia D, Guede-Rojas F, Hinojosa-Riveros H, Chirosa-Ríos LJ, Cuevas-Aburto J, Janicijevic D, Weakley J. Reliability and validity of different methods of estimating the one-repetition maximum during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (October 2019)See 3 more sources
Baechle TR, Earle RW, Wathen D . Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 2nd ed. Human Kinetics (2000)Cormie P, McGuigan MR, Newton RU. Influence of strength on magnitude and mechanisms of adaptation to power training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (August 2010)Moss BM, Refsnes PE, Abildgaard A, Nicolaysen K, Jensen J. Effects of maximal effort strength training with different loads on dynamic strength, cross-sectional area, load-power and load-velocity relationships. European Journal of Applied Physiology (1997)
Last updated: Dec 21, 2022

With the bench press calculator, you can find your one-rep max. This stat is defined as the maximum force you're able to produce with a single muscular contraction. This max bench calculator is really a general one rep max calculator and can be used to find the maximum weight you can lift for any movement, such as the squat, shoulder press, or deadlift.

In the article below, you can find general information about the bench press form, incline bench press, and decline bench press form. Remember, how to bench press properly and safely is of utmost importance. We also included data on the world record bench press! Use this 1RM calculator to work even harder towards your strength training goals.

Be sure also to explore the Wilks calculator, which is another tool designed for estimating your weightlifting abilities.

## Why use a one rep max calculator?

Your one-rep maximum is the most accurate measure of your strength we have at our disposal and is used to determine the winner in international powerlifting competitions.

Using a bench press calculator is necessary to determine this number because it's difficult to accurately guess the exact weight, taking into account the fatigue you may experience from trying multiple 1RM. Such a method would also not be particularly safe. A safer and more reliable way is to use a 1RM calculator. It is easy to verify; just lift it once! And if you're interested in other lifts (such as a deadlift), try our one-rep max calculator.

If your goals are focused on muscular strength and fitness level, the max heart rate calculator is a great companion to the bench press calculator. With both together, you'll get a good idea of both your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal strength.

## How the 1RM calculator works

To use our 1RM calculator, follow these steps.

1. Pick a weight that is a reasonable challenge for you.
2. After a brief warm-up (remembering to stretch), lift that weight as many times as you can.
3. When you reach muscular failure (the point when your working muscle is fatigued to the extent that it can no longer complete another repetition of a movement), put the bench press bar away.
4. Type the weight you lifted into the calculator and the number of reps you accomplished.

You'll notice how much easier it is to use the bench press calculator instead of just trying to lift a weight that you suppose is close to your max bench weight. Using a calculator eliminates the guesswork and the risk of injury due to overestimation.

Extra tip

Try to lift enough weight for accomplishing 6-8 reps. Record the weight and how many reps you managed to do in our bench press calculator. Then, knowing the 1 rep max, try the 90% value.

For example, if I lift 80 kg and manage to do 8 reps today, my 90% of one rep max is 97 kg, accordingly to our bench press calculator. Next time, I shall try to lift 97 kilos and record the repetitions I manage to complete. After adding the new data in the one rep max calculator, I will get a more accurate result for my bench press one rep max.

## The max bench calculator formula

The formula for the max bench calculator uses the following variables:

• $\mathrm{1RM}$ – One-rep max;
• $w$ – Weight; and
• $r$ – Number of repetitions (reps).

To calculate the 1RM, you need to divide the number of reps by 30, add 1, and multiply it by the weight you were lifting.

$\mathrm{1RM} = w \left( 1 + \frac{r}{30} \right)$

This equation is known as the Epley formula, the most common formula for 1RM calculation. It is a "submaximal" method of finding your one-rep max, as it may underestimate or overestimate your 1RM because it is only a prediction. The athlete's physical attributes can vary massively, so it is impossible to predict based solely on a formula. However, it allows you to find a reasonable starting point and help soothe the nerves of less experienced athletes.

## Bench press form

After reading this paragraph, you will find out how to bench press with a proper form. Always keep in mind your safety! Set the safety pins at the appropriate height – they will catch the weight if you fail to lift it. Moreover, set the connectors to keep the plates in place on the barrel. Follow the tips below to train carefully, safely, and effectively.

Proper way of flat bench pressing:

1. Setup – Lie on a flat bench and position yourself so your eyes are under the bar. Lift your chest and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Put your feet flat on the floor.

2. Grab the bar – Put your hands on the bar, making sure they are wider than your shoulders. Your little finger should be on the ring marks (on standardized bars, you can find dedicated markers for a gripping place). Hold the bar in the base of your palm with a full grip and straight wrists. Apply force like you want to break the bar down the middle.

3. Unrack – Take a big breath and unrack the bar by straightening your arms. Move the bar over your shoulders with elbows locked.

4. Lower the bar – Lower the barbell to your mid-chest while tucking your elbows in at 75° from your torso. Keep your forearms vertical. Hold your breath at the bottom, making sure not to bounce the bar off of your chest.

5. Press – Press the bar from your mid-chest to above your shoulders. Keep your butt on the bench. Lock your elbows at the top. Breathe.

Once you have finished the planned number of reps, rack the weight safely. On the last rep, press the weight away from your chest until you've locked your elbows. Then move the bar horizontally towards the rack, aiming for the dumbbell holders. While above them, bend your elbows to lower the bar in the uprights.

## Incline bench press

Incline bench pressing is a movement that can be used to prepare for sports like powerlifting, strongman, and even Olympic weightlifting. The main benefit of performing incline presses is to develop the upper portion of the pectoral muscles. The pectoralis major muscle is comprised of a clavicular and sternocostal head (upper and lower pectoralis), and incline bench press especially stimulates the upper pecs.

When the bench is set at an incline (15-30 degrees), it allows for more shoulder activation than the shoulder press itself. Moreover, because of the bench incline, this exercise puts less stress on the rotator cuff, which is a common area of injury while pressing on a flat bench.

Incline chest press also has some cons. While flat pressing builds entire pectoral muscles, incline pressing develops only the upper part. Also, it activates deltoid muscles (shoulders), causing severe muscle soreness the next day. Pain in that place can be really uncomfortable in everyday activities.

Form and technique of proper incline bench pressing:

1. Set a bench incline at 15-30 degrees.

2. Set the hips and upper back on the bench, keeping your feet firmly rooted on the floor.

3. Grip the barbell – hands should be slightly wider than shoulder-width.

4. Unrack the bar and stabilize it above your upper chest (shoulders).

5. Pull the barbel to the chest. Pay attention to keep your chest and shoulders from rounding forward.

6. Press the weight upwards and extend the elbows.

7. Reset, breathe and repeat the desired number of repetitions.

## Decline bench press

If you want to build new muscle mass and strength to your upper torso, you need to get familiar with the decline bench press. The flat bench press seems to be the most popular chest exercise. Actually, it could be the most popular exercise in gyms worldwide. However, it doesn't mean it is the best of all. If you haven't tried the decline version yet, continue reading and try it yourself!

Why should you do declines? Good question, but the answer is also good. Many bodybuilding and fitness experts recommend doing this exercise if you want to achieve greater pectoral development. Declines focus on the chest more than pressing on a flat or incline bench. In fact, many bodybuilder champions choose decline press instead of the flat bench because of all the shoulder problems that are suspected to be related to doing flat bench so much. The advice for you that comes from their experience is to try it for yourself and find out all the great benefits of this exercise.

Doing decline bench press, you should definitely think about your safety, especially when you go heavy. Always make sure you have a spotter on standby in case of a failed press. Moreover, never use a 'false grip', where the thumb is wrapped around with fingers. If the bar slips, the situation will be really dangerous. Absolutely use a regular grip on the bar.

In the next picture you can see false grip (left) vs full grip (right):

Decline bench press instructions:

1. Lie flat on a decline bench and set your hands outside of shoulder width. Hook your feet underneath the pad. Pinch your shoulder blades together and drive them into the bench.

3. Let the weight settle and ensure your upper back remains tight after liftoff.

4. Breathe and allow the bar to descend slowly by unlocking the elbows.

5. Lower the barbell in a straight line, just below your sternum (breastbone), and touch the chest.

6. Push the bar back up in a straight line by pressing yourself into the bench and extending the elbows.

7. Breathe and repeat the sequence for the number of repetitions.

## World record bench press

'How much can you bench?' This is the first question people often ask when they meet powerlifters. There is something strange and even mystical about the bench.

Chest exercises have always been an important part of physical conditioning. In Graeco-Roman times, soldiers trained push-ups and other weighted exercises. It was not until 1899 that George Hackenschmidt performed what is widely thought to be the first recorded floor press by lifting 164 kg (362 pounds). Over a hundred years later, the exercise had evolved into the bench press. As years passed by and the sport of powerlifting progressed, experts developed advanced training and assistive clothing. That is why there is a split between 'raw' bench press and 'equipped'.

Equipped bench presses are performed in a special shirt made from extremely strong fabric. Due to its elastic energy, it helps the lifter's arms snap upward from the bottom of the lift. It really makes a big difference – powerlifters can achieve results better up to 30%.

Take a look below at the world's raw powerlifting records. The list is based on , and it contains best results in open, drug-tested, female, masters 50-59 and masters+ categories.

The heaviest raw bench presses of all time:

• Men's world record (Open) – 335 kg (738.5 pounds) Kirill Sarychev/Super Heavyweight/Russia/WRPF

• Men's world record (Drug-tested) – 322.5 kg (710 pounds) James Henderson/Super Heavyweight/USA/USPF

• Women's world record – 207.5 kg (457 pounds) April Mathis/198+ pounds class/USA/SPF

• Masters 50-59 – 263.5 kg (580 pounds) Richard Lucklin/308 pounds class/USA/WNPF

• Masters 60+ – 210 kg (462 pounds) Walter Kurda/308 pounds class/Germany/WPF

## Other considerations

If your goals are focused on improving your general body composition and not just strength, you might also want to use our BMI calculator and lean body mass calculator. Your BMI estimates whether you are underweight, overweight, or within the normal range. Your lean body mass is everything in your body minus the fat, which can be very useful for body composition goals.

## FAQ

### How much should I bench press for my weight?

For beginners, you should be able to bench press half of your body weight. An intermediate lifter can bench press their own weight, while it's double the person's body weight at the elite level.

### What does PR mean in weight lifting?

PR means personal record. It means you succeeded in doing one complete repetition of a weight you've never lifted before.

### How many reps of 225 lb to bench 315 lb?

12. This result comes from the Epley formula 1RM = w × (1 + (r / 30)), where 1RM is the one-rep max, w is the weight and r is the number of repetitions. Inputting 315 lb for 1RM, 225 lb for w, and rearranging the equation, r = 30 × (315/225 - 1) = 12.

### Does bench press work biceps?

Yes it does! Bench press exercising done correctly improves not only your pecs and shoulders but also your chest, neck, core, and biceps.

Filip Derma, Arturo Barrantes and Łucja Zaborowska, MD, PhD candidate
Hello athlete! 🥇
Weight lifted
lb
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Below you see your one-rep max, the maximum weight you could lift at 1 repetition 😎, your 100% effort.
One-rep max
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