One-Rep Max Calculator

Estimate your one-rep max (1RM) from a set you've done — the most weight you could lift once — using the Epley and Brzycki formulas.

Your Result

257.3lb

Your estimated one-rep max is about 257.3 lb (Epley), from 5 reps. A cross-check with the Brzycki formula gives 248.1 lb.

These are estimates from a reps-to-fatigue set; they’re most accurate at low reps and drift apart as reps climb. Test a true 1RM only with proper warm-up, technique, and ideally a spotter.

Moderate — estimate, individual variation applies

What This Means

Understanding your one-rep max

Your one-rep max (1RM) is the most weight you could lift for a single repetition of a given exercise. It's the reference strength coaches and lifters use to program training — most structured plans prescribe loads as a percentage of 1RM (for example, 5 sets of 5 at 80%).

Estimating your 1RM from a set you've actually done is safer and more practical than repeatedly attempting true maxes. You lift a weight for a few hard reps, and the formula projects what you could manage for one. The fewer reps you use, the more accurate the estimate.

Treat the result as a well-grounded estimate, not a guarantee. Your real 1RM depends on the exercise, your technique on the day, and how close to failure your set actually was — so use it to guide training loads, then adjust based on how the weights feel.

Accuracy is best from low-rep sets. A hard set of 3–5 reps gives a tighter estimate than a set of 12; that's why beyond ~10 reps the formulas start to disagree.

Methodology

How this calculator works

Formulas. Epley: 1RM = weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30). Brzycki: 1RM = weight ÷ (1.0278 − 0.0278 × reps). We report Epley as the primary estimate and Brzycki as a cross-check; at a single rep, both return the weight you lifted. Reps are capped at 15 because the equations lose validity beyond about 12.

Sources. The Epley formula (1985) and the Brzycki formula (1993) are two of the most widely used 1RM prediction equations in strength training.

Confidence. We label this moderate confidence: it's a reliable estimate for low-to-moderate rep sets, but accuracy drops as reps rise, and it varies by exercise and individual. Use it as a training guide, not a certified max.

Scientific References

Sources

  1. Epley B (1985); Brzycki M (1993) — Epley 1RM formula; Brzycki M, "Strength testing—predicting a one-rep max from reps-to-fatigue," JOPERD, 1993.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Your one-rep max (1RM) is the heaviest weight you could lift for a single repetition of an exercise. It's the standard reference for setting training loads — for example, working at a percentage of your 1RM.
Epley and Brzycki are two well-known equations that estimate 1RM from a set taken close to failure. They agree closely at low reps and drift apart as the rep count rises. We show Epley as the main estimate and Brzycki as a cross-check.
Fewer is more accurate. A set of 1–5 hard reps gives the best estimate; beyond about 10–12 reps the formulas become unreliable, which is why we cap the input at 15.
Estimating from a submaximal set is safer than a true max attempt. If you do test a real 1RM, warm up thoroughly, use good technique, and ideally have a spotter or safety bars.

Related

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for guidance specific to you.