Bench vs Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press Strength Standards
Compare your bench press and seated dumbbell overhead press against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Add a recent 1–12-rep result for each lift to compare estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
First lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: weight of one dumbbell and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms. For the first exercise, lower the bar under control to the chest, pause without bouncing, and press to full elbow lockout with no spotter assistance. For the second exercise, each rep reaches full lockout overhead with elbows extended and dumbbells stacked over shoulders. Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Barbell Bench Press vs Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press Strength Standards
These bodyweight tables place the bench press and seated dumbbell overhead press 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 Bench Press / Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press, pounds first and kilograms second. Enter your own sets above for exact ratings without testing a true one-rep max.
Men’s Bench Press vs Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press Standards
How to read the table: Find the closest bodyweight, then use the labeled exercise row. Every strength-level entry shows one target with pounds first and kilograms beneath it.
| Bodyweight | Exercise | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb54.4 kg | Bench Press | 151 lb68.5 kg | 188 lb85.3 kg | 225 lb102.1 kg | 261 lb118.4 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 49 lb22.2 kg | 63 lb28.6 kg | 77 lb34.9 kg | 105 lb47.6 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Bench Press | 159 lb72.1 kg | 198 lb89.8 kg | 237 lb107.5 kg | 276 lb125.2 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 52 lb23.6 kg | 67 lb30.4 kg | 82 lb37.2 kg | 111 lb50.3 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Bench Press | 167 lb75.7 kg | 208 lb94.3 kg | 249 lb112.9 kg | 290 lb131.5 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 55 lb24.9 kg | 70 lb31.8 kg | 86 lb39 kg | 117 lb53.1 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Bench Press | 175 lb79.4 kg | 218 lb98.9 kg | 261 lb118.4 kg | 303 lb137.4 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 57 lb25.9 kg | 73 lb33.1 kg | 90 lb40.8 kg | 122 lb55.3 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Bench Press | 183 lb83 kg | 227 lb103 kg | 272 lb123.4 kg | 317 lb143.8 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 60 lb27.2 kg | 77 lb34.9 kg | 94 lb42.6 kg | 128 lb58.1 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Bench Press | 190 lb86.2 kg | 237 lb107.5 kg | 283 lb128.4 kg | 330 lb149.7 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 62 lb28.1 kg | 80 lb36.3 kg | 97 lb44 kg | 133 lb60.3 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Bench Press | 198 lb89.8 kg | 246 lb111.6 kg | 294 lb133.4 kg | 342 lb155.1 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 65 lb29.5 kg | 83 lb37.6 kg | 101 lb45.8 kg | 138 lb62.6 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Bench Press | 205 lb93 kg | 255 lb115.7 kg | 305 lb138.3 kg | 355 lb161 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 67 lb30.4 kg | 86 lb39 kg | 105 lb47.6 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Bench Press | 212 lb96.2 kg | 264 lb119.7 kg | 316 lb143.3 kg | 367 lb166.5 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 69 lb31.3 kg | 89 lb40.4 kg | 109 lb49.4 kg | 148 lb67.1 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Bench Press | 219 lb99.3 kg | 273 lb123.8 kg | 326 lb147.9 kg | 379 lb171.9 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 72 lb32.7 kg | 92 lb41.7 kg | 112 lb50.8 kg | 153 lb69.4 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Bench Press | 226 lb102.5 kg | 281 lb127.5 kg | 336 lb152.4 kg | 391 lb177.4 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 74 lb33.6 kg | 95 lb43.1 kg | 116 lb52.6 kg | 158 lb71.7 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Bench Press | 233 lb105.7 kg | 290 lb131.5 kg | 346 lb156.9 kg | 403 lb182.8 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 76 lb34.5 kg | 98 lb44.5 kg | 119 lb54 kg | 162 lb73.5 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Bench Press | 240 lb108.9 kg | 298 lb135.2 kg | 356 lb161.5 kg | 415 lb188.2 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 78 lb35.4 kg | 100 lb45.4 kg | 123 lb55.8 kg | 167 lb75.7 kg | |
| 250 lb113.4 kg | Bench Press | 246 lb111.6 kg | 306 lb138.8 kg | 366 lb166 kg | 426 lb193.2 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 80 lb36.3 kg | 103 lb46.7 kg | 126 lb57.2 kg | 172 lb78 kg | |
| 260 lb117.9 kg | Bench Press | 253 lb114.8 kg | 314 lb142.4 kg | 376 lb170.6 kg | 438 lb198.7 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 83 lb37.6 kg | 106 lb48.1 kg | 129 lb58.5 kg | 176 lb79.8 kg | |
| 270 lb122.5 kg | Bench Press | 259 lb117.5 kg | 322 lb146.1 kg | 386 lb175.1 kg | 449 lb203.7 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 85 lb38.6 kg | 109 lb49.4 kg | 133 lb60.3 kg | 181 lb82.1 kg | |
| 280 lb127 kg | Bench Press | 265 lb120.2 kg | 330 lb149.7 kg | 395 lb179.2 kg | 460 lb208.7 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 87 lb39.5 kg | 111 lb50.3 kg | 136 lb61.7 kg | 185 lb83.9 kg | |
| 290 lb131.5 kg | Bench Press | 272 lb123.4 kg | 338 lb153.3 kg | 404 lb183.3 kg | 471 lb213.6 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 89 lb40.4 kg | 114 lb51.7 kg | 139 lb63 kg | 190 lb86.2 kg | |
| 300 lb136.1 kg | Bench Press | 278 lb126.1 kg | 346 lb156.9 kg | 414 lb187.8 kg | 481 lb218.2 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 91 lb41.3 kg | 117 lb53.1 kg | 142 lb64.4 kg | 194 lb88 kg |
Women’s Bench Press vs Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press Standards
How to read the table: Find the closest bodyweight, then use the labeled exercise row. Every strength-level entry shows one target with pounds first and kilograms beneath it.
| Bodyweight | Exercise | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb45.4 kg | Bench Press | 69 lb31.3 kg | 88 lb39.9 kg | 114 lb51.7 kg | 145 lb65.8 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 23 lb10.4 kg | 34 lb15.4 kg | 40 lb18.1 kg | 57 lb25.9 kg | |
| 110 lb49.9 kg | Bench Press | 73 lb33.1 kg | 94 lb42.6 kg | 122 lb55.3 kg | 155 lb70.3 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 24 lb10.9 kg | 37 lb16.8 kg | 43 lb19.5 kg | 61 lb27.7 kg | |
| 120 lb54.4 kg | Bench Press | 78 lb35.4 kg | 99 lb44.9 kg | 129 lb58.5 kg | 164 lb74.4 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 26 lb11.8 kg | 39 lb17.7 kg | 46 lb20.9 kg | 65 lb29.5 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Bench Press | 82 lb37.2 kg | 105 lb47.6 kg | 136 lb61.7 kg | 173 lb78.5 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 27 lb12.2 kg | 41 lb18.6 kg | 48 lb21.8 kg | 68 lb30.8 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Bench Press | 86 lb39 kg | 110 lb49.9 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg | 181 lb82.1 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 29 lb13.2 kg | 43 lb19.5 kg | 51 lb23.1 kg | 72 lb32.7 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Bench Press | 90 lb40.8 kg | 115 lb52.2 kg | 150 lb68 kg | 190 lb86.2 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 30 lb13.6 kg | 45 lb20.4 kg | 53 lb24 kg | 75 lb34 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Bench Press | 94 lb42.6 kg | 120 lb54.4 kg | 157 lb71.2 kg | 198 lb89.8 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 31 lb14.1 kg | 47 lb21.3 kg | 55 lb24.9 kg | 78 lb35.4 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Bench Press | 98 lb44.5 kg | 125 lb56.7 kg | 163 lb73.9 kg | 207 lb93.9 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 33 lb15 kg | 49 lb22.2 kg | 58 lb26.3 kg | 82 lb37.2 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Bench Press | 102 lb46.3 kg | 130 lb59 kg | 169 lb76.7 kg | 215 lb97.5 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 34 lb15.4 kg | 51 lb23.1 kg | 60 lb27.2 kg | 85 lb38.6 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Bench Press | 105 lb47.6 kg | 135 lb61.2 kg | 176 lb79.8 kg | 222 lb100.7 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 35 lb15.9 kg | 53 lb24 kg | 62 lb28.1 kg | 88 lb39.9 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Bench Press | 109 lb49.4 kg | 139 lb63 kg | 182 lb82.6 kg | 230 lb104.3 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 36 lb16.3 kg | 55 lb24.9 kg | 64 lb29 kg | 91 lb41.3 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Bench Press | 113 lb51.3 kg | 144 lb65.3 kg | 188 lb85.3 kg | 238 lb108 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 38 lb17.2 kg | 56 lb25.4 kg | 66 lb29.9 kg | 94 lb42.6 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Bench Press | 116 lb52.6 kg | 148 lb67.1 kg | 194 lb88 kg | 245 lb111.1 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 39 lb17.7 kg | 58 lb26.3 kg | 68 lb30.8 kg | 97 lb44 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Bench Press | 120 lb54.4 kg | 153 lb69.4 kg | 199 lb90.3 kg | 253 lb114.8 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 40 lb18.1 kg | 60 lb27.2 kg | 70 lb31.8 kg | 100 lb45.4 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Bench Press | 123 lb55.8 kg | 157 lb71.2 kg | 205 lb93 kg | 260 lb117.9 kg |
| Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press | 41 lb18.6 kg | 62 lb28.1 kg | 73 lb33.1 kg | 103 lb46.7 kg |
How Your Barbell Bench Press vs Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press Result Is Calculated
Each set is converted to an estimated max before the calculator assigns exercise-specific strength levels and compares them.
1. Estimate a one-rep max from each set
A one-rep set uses the entered weight. For 2–12 reps, both formulas are calculated and the lower estimate is retained.
- Epley: weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30)
- Brzycki: weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps)
For the most useful Barbell Bench Press vs Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press 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 bench press strength level
The bench press standards use the approved sex-specific reference targets from the individual raw competition-style bench press 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.
The target rises more slowly than bodyweight so heavier lifters are expected to press more total barbell weight without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the seated dumbbell overhead press strength level
The seated dumbbell overhead press rating uses its sex-specific exercise standards. Reference targets at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women are scaled to the entered bodyweight by 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
Strength level decides the comparison first. Matching levels remain Balanced unless progress toward the next target differs by at least 10 points.
Treat the result as a training comparison rather than an explanation of why one lift trails. Set quality, fatigue, skill, and training exposure all matter. 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 bench press | Adjust bench press targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the seated dumbbell overhead press | 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. |
The calculator above applies these steps to your exact entries and reports both lift ratings, both next targets, and the final comparison.
How Men’s Barbell Bench Press and Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press Standards Differ
What the men’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 120 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
At Elite, the difference is 70.8 kg at 120 lb and 130.2 kg at 300 lb.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press standard minus the Bench Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press standard is higher, and below zero means the Bench Press standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.
Line chart loading. The standards tables above contain the exact pounds and kilograms.
How Women’s Barbell Bench Press and Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
At Elite, the difference is 39.9 kg at 100 lb and 71.2 kg at 240 lb.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press standard minus the Bench Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press standard is higher, and below zero means the Bench Press standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.
Line chart loading. The standards tables above contain the exact pounds and kilograms.
Barbell Bench Press and Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press Exercises Used by This Calculator
The calculator expects repeatable bench press and seated dumbbell overhead press results. Follow each exercise definition below so the two ratings are based on valid tests. Use strict, repeatable Barbell Bench Press and Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press tests that follow each exercise’s setup, range of motion, equipment, and load rules. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use a paused competition-style barbell bench press
Lower the bar under control to the chest, pause without bouncing, and press to full elbow lockout with no spotter assistance. Enter the total barbell weight. Do not enter a touch-and-go, assisted, partial, Smith-machine, dumbbell, incline, decline, equipped, or bench-shirt result.
Use the Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press setup and load convention
Weight entered is weight per dumbbell and must be consistent across tests. Performed seated on a flat or upright bench with back support and a near-vertical torso position. Feet remain flat on the ground for stability. Dumbbells start at shoulder level with palms facing forward or slightly neutral. Both dumbbells are pressed overhead simultaneously on each rep. Each rep reaches full lockout overhead with elbows extended and dumbbells stacked over shoulders. Dumbbells are lowered under control back to shoulder level. No leg drive or lower-body assistance is allowed. Torso remains upright with minimal back arch; excessive leaning invalidates the rep. Each repetition must be performed with consistent technique and range of motion across tests. Raw lifting only. Allowed equipment: matched dumbbells, bench (flat or upright with back support), optional belt, optional wrist wraps. Disallowed variations: standing dumbbell overhead press, push press (leg drive), single-arm dumbbell press, machine shoulder press, smith machine press, partial reps or incomplete lockout, and assisted reps. Estimated 1RM is calculated from bilateral load (weight per dumbbell × 2) and entered reps for this seated press.
Enter one recent Barbell Bench Press result and one recent Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press result
First lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: weight of one dumbbell and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms.
Related Tools
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