Formula roots
Epley and Brzycki grew out of 1980s football weight rooms to scale training sets back to a predicted max without maxing out.
Tip: Best accuracy usually comes from well-executed sets in the 2–10 rep range.
Loads below are based on Working 1RM. Click “Use average” or any result to set it. Update reps/weight and recalc anytime.
| % of 1RM | Typical Reps | Load (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| These are guidelines; actual reps vary by lift, tempo, rest, and training status. | ||
1RM = Weight × (1 + Reps/30)
1RM = Weight ÷ (1.0278 − 0.0278 × Reps)
1RM = Weight × Reps^0.10
Note: Treat estimates as starting points. Use a spotter and proper technique for heavy attempts.
Note: Best accuracy is usually from well-executed sets in the 2–10 rep range.
Epley and Brzycki grew out of 1980s football weight rooms to scale training sets back to a predicted max without maxing out.
Strength isn’t linear with reps—that’s why Lombardi’s power curve (R^0.10) fits higher-rep sets better than divide-by formulas.
Being under-recovered can shave 5–10% off a session’s 1RM. Warmed-up but fresh sets give the best estimates.
Bench, squat, and deadlift can follow different fatigue curves—your bench 1RM predictor may not fit your deadlift.
Tiny jumps (0.5–1 kg or 1–2 lb) keep progress moving when you’re near a ceiling; small plates beat stalls.
Epley and Brzycki are widely used and typically close in the 2–10 rep range. Lombardi uses a power curve and may differ more at higher reps.
They’re estimates. Results vary with rep range, lift selection, technique, fatigue, and training status. Treat them as starting points.
Yes. The math is unit-agnostic—just be consistent for weight and results.
Yes. All calculations run in your browser. No inputs are stored or uploaded.