Barbell Thruster vs Kettlebell Thruster Strength Standards
Compare your barbell thruster and kettlebell thruster against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Enter one recent set of 1–12 reps for each lift to see your estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and which lift you should prioritize.
Enter the canonical working weight and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Use the entered weight for strict Barbell Thruster and one kettlebell used on the working rack side. You can enter either lift in pounds or kilograms. Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Barbell Thruster vs Kettlebell Thruster Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the barbell thruster and kettlebell thruster to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your barbell thruster and kettlebell thruster.
Choose the men’s or women’s table, find your bodyweight or the closest listed row, then read across to Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Elite. Every entry shows Barbell Thruster / Kettlebell Thruster, with pounds first and kilograms underneath. For a result based on your exact bodyweight and recent sets, use the calculator above; you do not need to test either true one-rep max.
Men’s Barbell Thruster vs Kettlebell Thruster Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Barbell Thruster; the second is Kettlebell Thruster. 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 | 49 / 31 lb 22.2 / 14.1 kg | 77 / 48 lb 34.9 / 21.8 kg | 109 / 70 lb 49.4 / 31.8 kg | 143 / 95 lb 64.9 / 43.1 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 52 / 33 lb 23.6 / 15 kg | 82 / 50 lb 37.2 / 22.7 kg | 115 / 74 lb 52.2 / 33.6 kg | 151 / 100 lb 68.5 / 45.4 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 55 / 34 lb 24.9 / 15.4 kg | 86 / 53 lb 39 / 24 kg | 121 / 78 lb 54.9 / 35.4 kg | 158 / 105 lb 71.7 / 47.6 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 57 / 36 lb 25.9 / 16.3 kg | 90 / 56 lb 40.8 / 25.4 kg | 126 / 81 lb 57.2 / 36.7 kg | 166 / 110 lb 75.3 / 49.9 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 60 / 37 lb 27.2 / 16.8 kg | 94 / 58 lb 42.6 / 26.3 kg | 132 / 85 lb 59.9 / 38.6 kg | 173 / 115 lb 78.5 / 52.2 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 62 / 39 lb 28.1 / 17.7 kg | 97 / 60 lb 44 / 27.2 kg | 137 / 88 lb 62.1 / 39.9 kg | 180 / 120 lb 81.6 / 54.4 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 65 / 41 lb 29.5 / 18.6 kg | 101 / 63 lb 45.8 / 28.6 kg | 143 / 92 lb 64.9 / 41.7 kg | 187 / 124 lb 84.8 / 56.2 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 67 / 42 lb 30.4 / 19.1 kg | 105 / 65 lb 47.6 / 29.5 kg | 148 / 95 lb 67.1 / 43.1 kg | 194 / 129 lb 88 / 58.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 69 / 43 lb 31.3 / 19.5 kg | 109 / 67 lb 49.4 / 30.4 kg | 153 / 98 lb 69.4 / 44.5 kg | 201 / 133 lb 91.2 / 60.3 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 72 / 45 lb 32.7 / 20.4 kg | 112 / 69 lb 50.8 / 31.3 kg | 158 / 102 lb 71.7 / 46.3 kg | 207 / 138 lb 93.9 / 62.6 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 74 / 46 lb 33.6 / 20.9 kg | 116 / 72 lb 52.6 / 32.7 kg | 163 / 105 lb 73.9 / 47.6 kg | 214 / 142 lb 97.1 / 64.4 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 76 / 48 lb 34.5 / 21.8 kg | 119 / 74 lb 54 / 33.6 kg | 168 / 108 lb 76.2 / 49 kg | 220 / 147 lb 99.8 / 66.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 78 / 49 lb 35.4 / 22.2 kg | 123 / 76 lb 55.8 / 34.5 kg | 173 / 111 lb 78.5 / 50.3 kg | 227 / 151 lb 103 / 68.5 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 80 / 50 lb 36.3 / 22.7 kg | 126 / 78 lb 57.2 / 35.4 kg | 178 / 114 lb 80.7 / 51.7 kg | 233 / 155 lb 105.7 / 70.3 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 83 / 52 lb 37.6 / 23.6 kg | 129 / 80 lb 58.5 / 36.3 kg | 182 / 117 lb 82.6 / 53.1 kg | 239 / 159 lb 108.4 / 72.1 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 85 / 53 lb 38.6 / 24 kg | 133 / 82 lb 60.3 / 37.2 kg | 187 / 120 lb 84.8 / 54.4 kg | 245 / 163 lb 111.1 / 73.9 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 87 / 54 lb 39.5 / 24.5 kg | 136 / 84 lb 61.7 / 38.1 kg | 192 / 123 lb 87.1 / 55.8 kg | 251 / 167 lb 113.9 / 75.7 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 89 / 56 lb 40.4 / 25.4 kg | 139 / 86 lb 63 / 39 kg | 196 / 126 lb 88.9 / 57.2 kg | 257 / 171 lb 116.6 / 77.6 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 91 / 57 lb 41.3 / 25.9 kg | 142 / 88 lb 64.4 / 39.9 kg | 201 / 129 lb 91.2 / 58.5 kg | 263 / 175 lb 119.3 / 79.4 kg |
Women’s Barbell Thruster vs Kettlebell Thruster Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Barbell Thruster; the second is Kettlebell Thruster. 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 | 25 / 16 lb 11.3 / 7.3 kg | 41 / 27 lb 18.6 / 12.2 kg | 60 / 40 lb 27.2 / 18.1 kg | 80 / 56 lb 36.3 / 25.4 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 27 / 17 lb 12.2 / 7.7 kg | 44 / 28 lb 20 / 12.7 kg | 63 / 43 lb 28.6 / 19.5 kg | 85 / 60 lb 38.6 / 27.2 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 28 / 18 lb 12.7 / 8.2 kg | 47 / 30 lb 21.3 / 13.6 kg | 67 / 46 lb 30.4 / 20.9 kg | 90 / 64 lb 40.8 / 29 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 30 / 19 lb 13.6 / 8.6 kg | 49 / 32 lb 22.2 / 14.5 kg | 71 / 48 lb 32.2 / 21.8 kg | 95 / 67 lb 43.1 / 30.4 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 32 / 20 lb 14.5 / 9.1 kg | 52 / 33 lb 23.6 / 15 kg | 74 / 51 lb 33.6 / 23.1 kg | 100 / 71 lb 45.4 / 32.2 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 33 / 21 lb 15 / 9.5 kg | 54 / 35 lb 24.5 / 15.9 kg | 78 / 53 lb 35.4 / 24 kg | 105 / 74 lb 47.6 / 33.6 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 34 / 22 lb 15.4 / 10 kg | 56 / 37 lb 25.4 / 16.8 kg | 81 / 55 lb 36.7 / 24.9 kg | 110 / 77 lb 49.9 / 34.9 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 36 / 23 lb 16.3 / 10.4 kg | 59 / 38 lb 26.8 / 17.2 kg | 85 / 58 lb 38.6 / 26.3 kg | 114 / 80 lb 51.7 / 36.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 37 / 24 lb 16.8 / 10.9 kg | 61 / 40 lb 27.7 / 18.1 kg | 88 / 60 lb 39.9 / 27.2 kg | 119 / 84 lb 54 / 38.1 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 39 / 25 lb 17.7 / 11.3 kg | 63 / 41 lb 28.6 / 18.6 kg | 91 / 62 lb 41.3 / 28.1 kg | 123 / 87 lb 55.8 / 39.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 40 / 25 lb 18.1 / 11.3 kg | 65 / 42 lb 29.5 / 19.1 kg | 94 / 64 lb 42.6 / 29 kg | 127 / 90 lb 57.6 / 40.8 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 41 / 26 lb 18.6 / 11.8 kg | 68 / 44 lb 30.8 / 20 kg | 98 / 66 lb 44.5 / 29.9 kg | 131 / 93 lb 59.4 / 42.2 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 43 / 27 lb 19.5 / 12.2 kg | 70 / 45 lb 31.8 / 20.4 kg | 101 / 68 lb 45.8 / 30.8 kg | 136 / 96 lb 61.7 / 43.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 44 / 28 lb 20 / 12.7 kg | 72 / 47 lb 32.7 / 21.3 kg | 104 / 70 lb 47.2 / 31.8 kg | 140 / 98 lb 63.5 / 44.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 45 / 29 lb 20.4 / 13.2 kg | 74 / 48 lb 33.6 / 21.8 kg | 107 / 73 lb 48.5 / 33.1 kg | 144 / 101 lb 65.3 / 45.8 kg |
How Your Barbell Thruster vs Kettlebell Thruster Result Is Calculated
The calculator estimates each max, rates it against the standards for that exercise and bodyweight, then compares the two ratings. Here is the complete process.
1. Estimate a one-rep max from each set
For one rep, it uses the weight entered. For 2–12 reps, it runs both formulas and keeps the lower, less aggressive estimate.
- Epley: weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30)
- Brzycki: weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps)
A published back-squat study supports estimated-max prediction under its study conditions. It does not independently validate every exercise or population used by this comparison. Estimates are more dependable from clean, difficult, lower-rep sets. See the Back-squat formula validation study and Published discussion of back-squat one-rep-max prediction research.
2. Find the barbell thruster strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Barbell Thruster tool. Targets begin at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women, then adjust to your exact bodyweight: reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
The target rises more slowly than bodyweight so larger lifters are expected to lift more without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the kettlebell thruster strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Kettlebell Thruster tool. Targets begin at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women, then adjust to your exact bodyweight: reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
The target rises more slowly than bodyweight so larger lifters are expected to lift more without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
4. Compare the two results
Each max receives a level from Beginner through Elite. The lower-level lift is the priority. If the levels match, a priority appears only when one lift is at least 10 points farther from its next level. Otherwise, the result is Balanced.
The result shows which lift ranks lower, not why. Technique, fatigue, training history, and set quality can affect it. Age range is recorded anonymously but does not change the 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 barbell thruster | Use the canonical estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the approved two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the kettlebell thruster | Use the canonical estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the approved two-thirds 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. |
Use the calculator above to see both estimated maxes, strength levels, the priority or Balanced result, and both next-level targets.
How Men’s Barbell Thruster and Kettlebell Thruster 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 kettlebell thruster standard is higher; below zero means the barbell thruster 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.
21.8 → 39.9 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the kettlebell thruster standard minus the barbell thruster standard. A plus sign means the kettlebell thruster standard is higher. A minus sign means the barbell thruster standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −18 lb −8.1 kg | −29 lb −13.1 kg | −39 lb −17.6 kg | −48 lb −21.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg | −32 lb −14.5 kg | −41 lb −18.6 kg | −51 lb −23.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −21 lb −9.5 kg | −33 lb −15 kg | −43 lb −19.5 kg | −53 lb −24.1 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −21 lb −9.6 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −45 lb −20.5 kg | −56 lb −25.4 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −23 lb −10.4 kg | −36 lb −16.3 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg | −58 lb −26.3 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −23 lb −10.4 kg | −37 lb −16.8 kg | −49 lb −22.2 kg | −60 lb −27.2 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −24 lb −10.9 kg | −38 lb −17.2 kg | −51 lb −23.2 kg | −63 lb −28.6 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −25 lb −11.3 kg | −40 lb −18.1 kg | −53 lb −24 kg | −65 lb −29.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −26 lb −11.8 kg | −42 lb −19 kg | −55 lb −24.9 kg | −68 lb −30.9 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −27 lb −12.3 kg | −43 lb −19.5 kg | −56 lb −25.4 kg | −69 lb −31.3 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg | −44 lb −19.9 kg | −58 lb −26.3 kg | −72 lb −32.7 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg | −45 lb −20.4 kg | −60 lb −27.2 kg | −73 lb −33.1 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −29 lb −13.2 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg | −62 lb −28.2 kg | −76 lb −34.5 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | −30 lb −13.6 kg | −48 lb −21.8 kg | −64 lb −29 kg | −78 lb −35.4 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | −31 lb −14 kg | −49 lb −22.2 kg | −65 lb −29.5 kg | −80 lb −36.3 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | −32 lb −14.6 kg | −51 lb −23.1 kg | −67 lb −30.4 kg | −82 lb −37.2 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | −33 lb −15 kg | −52 lb −23.6 kg | −69 lb −31.3 kg | −84 lb −38.2 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | −33 lb −15 kg | −53 lb −24 kg | −70 lb −31.7 kg | −86 lb −39 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −54 lb −24.5 kg | −72 lb −32.7 kg | −88 lb −39.9 kg |
How Women’s Barbell Thruster and Kettlebell Thruster Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
10.9 → 19.5 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the kettlebell thruster standard minus the barbell thruster standard. A plus sign means the kettlebell thruster standard is higher. A minus sign means the barbell thruster standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | −9 lb −4 kg | −14 lb −6.4 kg | −20 lb −9.1 kg | −24 lb −10.9 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg | −20 lb −9.1 kg | −25 lb −11.4 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −17 lb −7.7 kg | −21 lb −9.5 kg | −26 lb −11.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −17 lb −7.7 kg | −23 lb −10.4 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −12 lb −5.4 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg | −23 lb −10.5 kg | −29 lb −13.2 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −12 lb −5.5 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg | −25 lb −11.4 kg | −31 lb −14 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −12 lb −5.4 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg | −26 lb −11.8 kg | −33 lb −15 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −13 lb −5.9 kg | −21 lb −9.6 kg | −27 lb −12.3 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −13 lb −5.9 kg | −21 lb −9.6 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg | −35 lb −15.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −14 lb −6.4 kg | −22 lb −10 kg | −29 lb −13.2 kg | −36 lb −16.3 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −23 lb −10.4 kg | −30 lb −13.6 kg | −37 lb −16.8 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −24 lb −10.8 kg | −32 lb −14.6 kg | −38 lb −17.2 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg | −25 lb −11.4 kg | −33 lb −15 kg | −40 lb −18.2 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg | −25 lb −11.4 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −42 lb −19 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −16 lb −7.2 kg | −26 lb −11.8 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −43 lb −19.5 kg |
Barbell Thruster and Kettlebell Thruster Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict barbell thruster test and a strict kettlebell thruster test. Use strict canonical Barbell Thruster and Kettlebell Thruster tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use the canonical Barbell Thruster setup and load convention
the entered weight for strict Barbell Thruster valid Barbell Thruster reps descend to valid front-squat depth, then stand and drive the bar continuously from the front rack to full overhead lockout and finish with a valid rep finishes with knees and hips extended and the bar controlled overhead before the next descent Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set No substituted exercise or assisted reps
Use the canonical Kettlebell Thruster setup and load convention
one kettlebell used on the working rack side total valid reps across both sides combined squat with one kettlebell in the working-side front rack and drive directly to overhead lockout without press-only reps, partial squats, rack collapse, jerk rebend, or off-hand assistance Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set No substituted exercise or assisted reps
Enter one recent Barbell Thruster result and one recent Kettlebell Thruster result
Enter the canonical working weight and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed.
Related Tools
- Barbell Thruster — View the individual Barbell Thruster standards and next strength-level target.
- Kettlebell Thruster — View the individual Kettlebell Thruster standards and next strength-level target.
- Paused Front Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Push Jerk — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Seated Barbell Overhead Press — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Thrusters — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.