Seated Cable Row vs T-Bar Row Strength Standards
Compare your seated cable row and t-bar bent over row against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Use one clean 1–12-rep set per lift to review estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
First lift: selected cable-stack weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: total external load and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms. For the first exercise, performed seated on a cable row station with feet braced against the platform. For the second exercise, lifters hinge at the hips to achieve a bent-over torso position (approximately 30–45°). Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Seated Cable Row vs T-Bar Bent Over Row Strength Standards by Bodyweight
These bodyweight tables place the seated cable row and t-bar bent over row targets side by side from Novice through Elite. Use them to compare standards, not to force a particular ratio between the lifts.
Find the closest row in the men’s or women’s table. Every target lists Seated Cable Row / T-Bar Bent Over Row, pounds first and kilograms second. Enter your own sets above for exact ratings without testing a true one-rep max.
Men’s Seated Cable Row vs T-Bar Bent Over Row Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Seated Cable Row; the second is T-Bar Bent Over Row. Each number is the lowest estimated one-rep max needed to reach that strength level. Scroll horizontally on smaller screens.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 56 / 73 lb 25.4 / 33.1 kg | 77 / 112 lb 34.9 / 50.8 kg | 105 / 152 lb 47.6 / 68.9 kg | 133 / 193 lb 60.3 / 87.5 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 59 / 77 lb 26.8 / 34.9 kg | 82 / 118 lb 37.2 / 53.5 kg | 111 / 161 lb 50.3 / 73 kg | 141 / 203 lb 64 / 92.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 62 / 81 lb 28.1 / 36.7 kg | 86 / 124 lb 39 / 56.2 kg | 117 / 169 lb 53.1 / 76.7 kg | 148 / 214 lb 67.1 / 97.1 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 65 / 85 lb 29.5 / 38.6 kg | 90 / 130 lb 40.8 / 59 kg | 122 / 177 lb 55.3 / 80.3 kg | 155 / 224 lb 70.3 / 101.6 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 68 / 88 lb 30.8 / 39.9 kg | 94 / 136 lb 42.6 / 61.7 kg | 128 / 185 lb 58.1 / 83.9 kg | 161 / 234 lb 73 / 106.1 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 71 / 92 lb 32.2 / 41.7 kg | 97 / 141 lb 44 / 64 kg | 133 / 192 lb 60.3 / 87.1 kg | 168 / 243 lb 76.2 / 110.2 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 73 / 95 lb 33.1 / 43.1 kg | 101 / 147 lb 45.8 / 66.7 kg | 138 / 200 lb 62.6 / 90.7 kg | 175 / 253 lb 79.4 / 114.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 76 / 99 lb 34.5 / 44.9 kg | 105 / 152 lb 47.6 / 68.9 kg | 143 / 207 lb 64.9 / 93.9 kg | 181 / 262 lb 82.1 / 118.8 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 79 / 102 lb 35.8 / 46.3 kg | 109 / 157 lb 49.4 / 71.2 kg | 148 / 214 lb 67.1 / 97.1 kg | 187 / 271 lb 84.8 / 122.9 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 81 / 106 lb 36.7 / 48.1 kg | 112 / 162 lb 50.8 / 73.5 kg | 153 / 221 lb 69.4 / 100.2 kg | 193 / 280 lb 87.5 / 127 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 84 / 109 lb 38.1 / 49.4 kg | 116 / 168 lb 52.6 / 76.2 kg | 158 / 228 lb 71.7 / 103.4 kg | 200 / 289 lb 90.7 / 131.1 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 86 / 112 lb 39 / 50.8 kg | 119 / 173 lb 54 / 78.5 kg | 162 / 235 lb 73.5 / 106.6 kg | 206 / 298 lb 93.4 / 135.2 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 89 / 116 lb 40.4 / 52.6 kg | 123 / 178 lb 55.8 / 80.7 kg | 167 / 242 lb 75.7 / 109.8 kg | 212 / 306 lb 96.2 / 138.8 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 91 / 119 lb 41.3 / 54 kg | 126 / 183 lb 57.2 / 83 kg | 172 / 249 lb 78 / 112.9 kg | 217 / 315 lb 98.4 / 142.9 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 94 / 122 lb 42.6 / 55.3 kg | 129 / 187 lb 58.5 / 84.8 kg | 176 / 255 lb 79.8 / 115.7 kg | 223 / 323 lb 101.2 / 146.5 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 96 / 125 lb 43.5 / 56.7 kg | 133 / 192 lb 60.3 / 87.1 kg | 181 / 262 lb 82.1 / 118.8 kg | 229 / 331 lb 103.9 / 150.1 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 98 / 128 lb 44.5 / 58.1 kg | 136 / 197 lb 61.7 / 89.4 kg | 185 / 268 lb 83.9 / 121.6 kg | 234 / 339 lb 106.1 / 153.8 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 101 / 131 lb 45.8 / 59.4 kg | 139 / 201 lb 63 / 91.2 kg | 190 / 274 lb 86.2 / 124.3 kg | 240 / 347 lb 108.9 / 157.4 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 103 / 134 lb 46.7 / 60.8 kg | 142 / 206 lb 64.4 / 93.4 kg | 194 / 281 lb 88 / 127.5 kg | 245 / 355 lb 111.1 / 161 kg |
Women’s Seated Cable Row vs T-Bar Bent Over Row Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Seated Cable Row; the second is T-Bar Bent Over Row. Each number is the lowest estimated one-rep max needed to reach that strength level. Scroll horizontally on smaller screens.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | 40 / 46 lb 18.1 / 20.9 kg | 57 / 72 lb 25.9 / 32.7 kg | 75 / 98 lb 34 / 44.5 kg | 92 / 125 lb 41.7 / 56.7 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 43 / 49 lb 19.5 / 22.2 kg | 61 / 77 lb 27.7 / 34.9 kg | 80 / 105 lb 36.3 / 47.6 kg | 98 / 133 lb 44.5 / 60.3 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 46 / 52 lb 20.9 / 23.6 kg | 65 / 82 lb 29.5 / 37.2 kg | 84 / 111 lb 38.1 / 50.3 kg | 103 / 141 lb 46.7 / 64 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 48 / 55 lb 21.8 / 24.9 kg | 68 / 86 lb 30.8 / 39 kg | 89 / 117 lb 40.4 / 53.1 kg | 109 / 149 lb 49.4 / 67.6 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 51 / 57 lb 23.1 / 25.9 kg | 72 / 91 lb 32.7 / 41.3 kg | 94 / 123 lb 42.6 / 55.8 kg | 115 / 157 lb 52.2 / 71.2 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 53 / 60 lb 24 / 27.2 kg | 75 / 95 lb 34 / 43.1 kg | 98 / 129 lb 44.5 / 58.5 kg | 120 / 164 lb 54.4 / 74.4 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 55 / 63 lb 24.9 / 28.6 kg | 78 / 99 lb 35.4 / 44.9 kg | 102 / 135 lb 46.3 / 61.2 kg | 125 / 171 lb 56.7 / 77.6 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 58 / 65 lb 26.3 / 29.5 kg | 82 / 103 lb 37.2 / 46.7 kg | 107 / 140 lb 48.5 / 63.5 kg | 130 / 178 lb 59 / 80.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 60 / 68 lb 27.2 / 30.8 kg | 85 / 107 lb 38.6 / 48.5 kg | 111 / 146 lb 50.3 / 66.2 kg | 136 / 185 lb 61.7 / 83.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 62 / 70 lb 28.1 / 31.8 kg | 88 / 111 lb 39.9 / 50.3 kg | 115 / 151 lb 52.2 / 68.5 kg | 140 / 192 lb 63.5 / 87.1 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 64 / 73 lb 29 / 33.1 kg | 91 / 115 lb 41.3 / 52.2 kg | 119 / 156 lb 54 / 70.8 kg | 145 / 199 lb 65.8 / 90.3 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 66 / 75 lb 29.9 / 34 kg | 94 / 119 lb 42.6 / 54 kg | 123 / 161 lb 55.8 / 73 kg | 150 / 205 lb 68 / 93 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 68 / 77 lb 30.8 / 34.9 kg | 97 / 123 lb 44 / 55.8 kg | 127 / 167 lb 57.6 / 75.7 kg | 155 / 212 lb 70.3 / 96.2 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 70 / 80 lb 31.8 / 36.3 kg | 100 / 126 lb 45.4 / 57.2 kg | 130 / 172 lb 59 / 78 kg | 160 / 218 lb 72.6 / 98.9 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 73 / 82 lb 33.1 / 37.2 kg | 103 / 130 lb 46.7 / 59 kg | 134 / 176 lb 60.8 / 79.8 kg | 164 / 224 lb 74.4 / 101.6 kg |
How Your Seated Cable Row vs T-Bar Bent Over Row Result Is Calculated
The calculator estimates both one-rep maxes, rates each one against its exercise and bodyweight standards, and then compares the two ratings.
1. Estimate a one-rep max from each set
The entered weight is used directly for one rep. With 2–12 reps, both estimates are compared and the lower value is used.
- Epley: weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30)
- Brzycki: weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps)
For the most useful Seated Cable Row vs T-Bar Bent Over Row comparison, enter clean, difficult sets performed with the same technique and range of motion you use in training. Lower-rep sets usually require less extrapolation.
2. Find the seated cable row strength level
The seated cable row standards use the sex-specific standards from the individual Seated Cable Row tool. Targets begin at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women, then adjust to exact bodyweight with reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
This adjustment expects larger lifters to move more weight, but it does not increase the target pound for pound with bodyweight.
3. Find the t-bar bent over row strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual T-Bar Bent Over Row tool. Targets begin at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women, then adjust to exact bodyweight with reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
This adjustment expects larger lifters to move more weight, but it does not increase the target pound for pound with bodyweight.
4. Compare the two results
Each max receives a level from Beginner through Elite. The lower-level lift becomes the priority. At matching levels, a priority appears only when one lift is at least 10 points farther from its next level; otherwise the result is Balanced.
The result identifies the lower standards rating, not its cause. Technique, fatigue, training history, and set quality can all affect the comparison. Age range is recorded anonymously but does not change these standards.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Estimate each max | Use the entered weight for 1 rep; for 2–12 reps, keep the lower formula result. |
| Rate the seated cable row | Adjust seated cable row targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the t-bar bent over row | Use the exercise-specific estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds scaling rule. |
| Compare different levels | Name the lower-level lift as the priority. |
| Compare matching levels | Use Balanced unless the difference in progress toward the next level reaches 10 points. |
How Men’s Seated Cable Row and T-Bar Bent Over Row Standards Differ
How to read both charts: Choose a strength level, find bodyweight along the bottom, and follow that level’s line. Zero means the two standards are equal. Above zero means the t-bar bent over row standard is higher; below zero means the seated cable row standard is higher. On a phone, swipe the chart left and right to inspect the full-size lines and labels. The tables provide the exact pounds and kilograms.
What the men’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 120 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
Across 120–300 lb bodyweight, the Elite gap changes from 27.2 to 49.9 kg.
How to read the table: Every number is the t-bar bent over row standard minus the seated cable row standard. A plus sign means the t-bar bent over row standard is higher. A minus sign means the seated cable row standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg | +47 lb +21.3 kg | +60 lb +27.2 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +36 lb +16.3 kg | +50 lb +22.7 kg | +62 lb +28.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg | +52 lb +23.6 kg | +66 lb +30 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +40 lb +18.2 kg | +55 lb +25 kg | +69 lb +31.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +42 lb +19.1 kg | +57 lb +25.8 kg | +73 lb +33.1 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +44 lb +20 kg | +59 lb +26.8 kg | +75 lb +34 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +46 lb +20.9 kg | +62 lb +28.1 kg | +78 lb +35.4 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +47 lb +21.3 kg | +64 lb +29 kg | +81 lb +36.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +48 lb +21.8 kg | +66 lb +30 kg | +84 lb +38.1 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +50 lb +22.7 kg | +68 lb +30.8 kg | +87 lb +39.5 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | +52 lb +23.6 kg | +70 lb +31.7 kg | +89 lb +40.4 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +54 lb +24.5 kg | +73 lb +33.1 kg | +92 lb +41.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg | +55 lb +24.9 kg | +75 lb +34.1 kg | +94 lb +42.6 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +57 lb +25.8 kg | +77 lb +34.9 kg | +98 lb +44.5 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +58 lb +26.3 kg | +79 lb +35.9 kg | +100 lb +45.3 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | +29 lb +13.2 kg | +59 lb +26.8 kg | +81 lb +36.7 kg | +102 lb +46.2 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +61 lb +27.7 kg | +83 lb +37.7 kg | +105 lb +47.7 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +62 lb +28.2 kg | +84 lb +38.1 kg | +107 lb +48.5 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | +31 lb +14.1 kg | +64 lb +29 kg | +87 lb +39.5 kg | +110 lb +49.9 kg |
How Women’s Seated Cable Row and T-Bar Bent Over Row Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Across all listed bodyweights, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite keep the same higher-target direction.
15 → 27.2 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the t-bar bent over row standard minus the seated cable row standard. A plus sign means the t-bar bent over row standard is higher. A minus sign means the seated cable row standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | +6 lb +2.8 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +33 lb +15 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | +35 lb +15.8 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg | +38 lb +17.3 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +7 lb +3.1 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +40 lb +18.2 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +6 lb +2.8 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +29 lb +13.2 kg | +42 lb +19 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +31 lb +14 kg | +44 lb +20 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +33 lb +14.9 kg | +46 lb +20.9 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +33 lb +15 kg | +48 lb +21.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +22 lb +9.9 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +36 lb +16.3 kg | +52 lb +23.6 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +54 lb +24.5 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg | +55 lb +25 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +40 lb +18.1 kg | +57 lb +25.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +42 lb +19 kg | +58 lb +26.3 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +42 lb +19 kg | +60 lb +27.2 kg |
Seated Cable Row and T-Bar Bent Over Row Exercises Used by This Calculator
Valid results depend on using the specified seated cable row and t-bar bent over row technique and load convention. Use strict, repeatable Seated Cable Row and T-Bar Bent Over Row tests that follow each exercise’s setup, range of motion, equipment, and weight-entry rules. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different weight conventions.
Use one seated cable row station without torso drive
Brace the feet, keep a neutral upright torso, begin at full arm extension, pull the handle to the lower ribs or upper abdomen with the elbows behind the torso, and return under control. Enter selected stack weight only. Do not enter pulley-adjusted force, a machine plate total, bodyweight shift, leg drive, partial rep, or jerked handle.
Use the T-Bar Bent Over Row setup and load convention
Use the following execution standard:. Bar is fixed in a landmine or T-bar setup with plates loaded on the free end. Lifters hinge at the hips to achieve a bent-over torso position (approximately 30–45°). Arms start fully extended at the bottom of each rep. Bar is pulled toward the lower chest or upper abdomen. Rep counts only if the bar makes controlled contact with the torso. Lifters must maintain a stable torso angle without excessive jerking or torso rise. No bouncing the weight off the floor or using momentum to initiate reps. Each rep must return to a full stretch at the bottom. Consistent range of motion and control must be maintained across reps. No use of leg drive or hip extension to initiate the pull. Raw lifting only. Disallowed variations:. Chest-supported T-bar row. Machine row variations (plate-loaded or selectorized rows not matching T-bar mechanics). Partial range of motion reps. Excessive torso extension or “rowing to upright”. Bouncing reps off the floor. Assisted or supported rows. Smith machine variations. Estimated 1RM is calculated from the entered load and reps.
Enter one recent Seated Cable Row result and one recent T-Bar Bent Over Row result
Use the correct input for each exercise: Selected cable-stack weight and a whole number from 1 to 12 reps for Seated Cable Row and Total external load and a whole number from 1 to 12 reps for T-Bar Bent Over Row.
Related Tools
- Seated Cable Row — View the individual Seated Cable Row standards and next strength-level target.
- T-Bar Bent Over Row — View the individual T-Bar Bent Over Row standards and next strength-level target.
- Australian Pull Up Strength Standards — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Bench Pull — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Reverse Wrist Curl — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Wrist Curl — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.