FitCalc

1RM Calculator

One-rep max from a working set, with the Epley, Brzycki and Mayhew estimates side by side.

Quick answer: 1RM is your single-rep maximum. Brzycki's formula is weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps). Lifting 100 kg for 5 reps gives 100 × 36 ÷ 32 = 112.5 kg. Estimates are best in the 3–6 rep range.

kg
reps

Stop 1–2 reps short of failure for a better estimate.

Estimated 1RM
93 kg
From
80 kg × 5 reps
% 1RMWeight≈ Reps
100%93 kg1
95%89 kg2
90%84 kg5
85%79 kg7
80%75 kg10
75%70 kg12
70%65 kg15
65%61 kg20
Epley93 kg
Brzycki90 kg
Lombardi94 kg
Oconner90 kg
Mayhew95 kg

1RM formulas estimate the most weight you could lift once from a set taken to near failure. Accuracy is best in the 3–6 rep range; at high reps the estimate becomes optimistic. Always use a spotter or safety pins when testing a true max.

Core facts
FormulasEpley, Brzycki, Lombardi, O'Conner, Mayhew
InputWeight lifted + reps
OutputEstimated 1RM
AlsoPercentage chart

What is 1RM Calculator?

1RM is shorthand for one-repetition maximum. Because a true max test is demanding and slightly risky, the practical way to know it is to estimate from a hard set of a few reps. Multiple equations do this, and this calculator runs all five so you can see the spread — typically a few kilograms either way. The estimate is not a laboratory value; it is a planning figure. Its purpose is to let you set training loads as percentages of your max without having to test to failure. For anyone following a percentage-based programme, a working 1RM estimate is the input that makes the whole plan personal.

Common Uses for 1RM Calculator

  • Get a 1RM estimate from a normal working set
  • Feed a percentage-based training programme
  • Re-estimate when your training weights rise
  • Benchmark strength changes over a training block

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 1RM mean?
One-repetition maximum: the heaviest weight you can lift once with correct technique. It is the reference point for percentage-based training loads.
Can I calculate 1RM from any set?
You can, but accuracy falls above about 10 reps. Use sets of 3–6 taken close to failure for the most reliable estimate, and treat high-rep projections as rough.
How often should I retest?
Re-estimate from working sets every few weeks and test a true max every 8–12 weeks at most. Frequent maximal testing adds fatigue without adding much information.

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