Deadlift Calculator: Estimate Your Deadlift Max

Deadlift calculator

Deadlift weight

Reps done (1 to 9)

Enter a recent set where you could not have done another rep with the same weight. Count only the reps you completed. Sets of 10 or more reps are not used.

Estimated one-rep max

Estimated five-rep max

Reps	Estimated weight
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

These numbers are estimates based on the set you entered, not measured maxes or prescribed loads. Use them as planning references, not instructions to attempt a maximum. If you use an estimate in training, adjust to how the set actually feels. Stop an exercise if it causes pain.

Designed for people who already lift and are entering a set of an exercise they already perform.

How it works. Enter a recent set where you could not have done another rep with the same weight. The calculator applies the Brzycki equation to that set: weight lifted / (1.0278 - 0.0278 × reps). Brzycki developed the equation for repetitions performed to fatigue and limited its use to fewer than 10 repetitions, so the calculator accepts 1 to 9 reps.

It then uses the same equation to work back to the estimated equivalent weight for each rep count from 1 to 9. Every number shown is rounded to the nearest 1 lb or 0.5 kg. Every result is an estimate. The calculation runs in your browser.

If you stopped the set with reps left, use the RPE calculator instead.

What this page covers

This calculator is for the barbell deadlift. Enter a deadlift set, and the estimate is for the barbell deadlift only. For other exercises, use the one rep max calculator.

What research found for the deadlift

In a 1997 study of 67 untrained college students, LeSuer and colleagues tested the Brzycki equation and six other prediction equations against deadlift maxes the participants actually lifted. Brzycki significantly underestimated the measured deadlift max on average: 207.4 lb predicted versus 236.5 lb achieved, a difference of 29.1 lb or about 12% in that sample. All seven equations tested significantly underestimated the deadlift. Treat any deadlift estimate as a starting point, not a measured max.

Example

If your last deadlift set was 315 lb for 3 reps, the calculator shows an estimated one-rep max of 334 lb and an estimated five-rep max of 296 lb. For 140 kg for 3 reps, it shows 148 kg and 132 kg.

Questions

Can I estimate my deadlift max without testing a max?

If you have a recent deadlift set where you could not have done another rep, enter it and the calculator estimates your 1RM from it. If you stopped with reps left, use the RPE calculator instead.

Is this for trap bar deadlifts?

No. This page covers the barbell deadlift. For other exercises, use the one rep max calculator.

Do prediction equations underestimate the deadlift?

In the 1997 study above, Brzycki was one of seven equations tested, and all seven significantly underestimated the measured deadlift max on average. Brzycki's estimate was 29.1 lb, or about 12%, below the measured deadlift max on average in that sample of untrained college students. Treat the result as a starting point, not a measured max.

How accurate is a deadlift calculator?

Treat the result as an estimate. It depends on whether the set really was to fatigue, and on the Brzycki equation, which Brzycki limited to fewer than 10 repetitions. In the study above, all 7 equations tested significantly underestimated the deadlift on average.

For coaches

Wolvec is an AI platform for fitness coaches and online personal trainers, the whole coaching setup rather than an add-on to it. Your AI drafts each program week based on how you coach and the client's intake, and you approve the week before the client sees it.

Deadlift calculator