Close Grip Bench Press vs Push Press Strength Standards
Compare your close-grip bench press and push press 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: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: total barbell load and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms. For the first exercise, barbell is lowered under control to the lower chest or sternum on every repetition. For the second exercise, leg drive initiates the bar path and the arms finish the lockout overhead. Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Close Grip Bench Press vs Push Press Strength Standards
The paired standards below show what the close-grip bench press and push press each require at the same strength level. They are separate exercise targets rather than a prescribed difference between your lifts.
Select the appropriate sex table and nearest bodyweight, then choose a strength-level column. Values are ordered Close-Grip Bench Press / Push Press in pounds with kilograms underneath. The calculator above handles exact bodyweight and set inputs.
Men’s Close-Grip Bench Press vs Push 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 | Close-Grip Bench Press | 84 lb38.1 kg | 113 lb51.3 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg | 172 lb78 kg |
| Push Press | 91 lb41.3 kg | 107 lb48.5 kg | 126 lb57.2 kg | 158 lb71.7 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 89 lb40.4 kg | 120 lb54.4 kg | 151 lb68.5 kg | 182 lb82.6 kg |
| Push Press | 96 lb43.5 kg | 113 lb51.3 kg | 133 lb60.3 kg | 167 lb75.7 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 93 lb42.2 kg | 126 lb57.2 kg | 158 lb71.7 kg | 191 lb86.6 kg |
| Push Press | 101 lb45.8 kg | 119 lb54 kg | 140 lb63.5 kg | 175 lb79.4 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 97 lb44 kg | 132 lb59.9 kg | 166 lb75.3 kg | 200 lb90.7 kg |
| Push Press | 106 lb48.1 kg | 125 lb56.7 kg | 146 lb66.2 kg | 184 lb83.5 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 102 lb46.3 kg | 137 lb62.1 kg | 173 lb78.5 kg | 209 lb94.8 kg |
| Push Press | 111 lb50.3 kg | 130 lb59 kg | 152 lb68.9 kg | 192 lb87.1 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 106 lb48.1 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg | 180 lb81.6 kg | 217 lb98.4 kg |
| Push Press | 115 lb52.2 kg | 136 lb61.7 kg | 159 lb72.1 kg | 200 lb90.7 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 110 lb49.9 kg | 149 lb67.6 kg | 187 lb84.8 kg | 226 lb102.5 kg |
| Push Press | 120 lb54.4 kg | 141 lb64 kg | 165 lb74.8 kg | 207 lb93.9 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 114 lb51.7 kg | 154 lb69.9 kg | 194 lb88 kg | 234 lb106.1 kg |
| Push Press | 124 lb56.2 kg | 146 lb66.2 kg | 171 lb77.6 kg | 215 lb97.5 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 118 lb53.5 kg | 159 lb72.1 kg | 201 lb91.2 kg | 242 lb109.8 kg |
| Push Press | 128 lb58.1 kg | 151 lb68.5 kg | 177 lb80.3 kg | 222 lb100.7 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 122 lb55.3 kg | 165 lb74.8 kg | 207 lb93.9 kg | 250 lb113.4 kg |
| Push Press | 133 lb60.3 kg | 156 lb70.8 kg | 183 lb83 kg | 230 lb104.3 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 126 lb57.2 kg | 170 lb77.1 kg | 214 lb97.1 kg | 258 lb117 kg |
| Push Press | 137 lb62.1 kg | 161 lb73 kg | 189 lb85.7 kg | 237 lb107.5 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 129 lb58.5 kg | 175 lb79.4 kg | 220 lb99.8 kg | 266 lb120.7 kg |
| Push Press | 141 lb64 kg | 166 lb75.3 kg | 194 lb88 kg | 244 lb110.7 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 133 lb60.3 kg | 180 lb81.6 kg | 227 lb103 kg | 273 lb123.8 kg |
| Push Press | 145 lb65.8 kg | 171 lb77.6 kg | 200 lb90.7 kg | 251 lb113.9 kg | |
| 250 lb113.4 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 137 lb62.1 kg | 185 lb83.9 kg | 233 lb105.7 kg | 281 lb127.5 kg |
| Push Press | 149 lb67.6 kg | 175 lb79.4 kg | 205 lb93 kg | 258 lb117 kg | |
| 260 lb117.9 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 141 lb64 kg | 190 lb86.2 kg | 239 lb108.4 kg | 288 lb130.6 kg |
| Push Press | 153 lb69.4 kg | 180 lb81.6 kg | 211 lb95.7 kg | 265 lb120.2 kg | |
| 270 lb122.5 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 144 lb65.3 kg | 195 lb88.5 kg | 245 lb111.1 kg | 296 lb134.3 kg |
| Push Press | 157 lb71.2 kg | 185 lb83.9 kg | 216 lb98 kg | 272 lb123.4 kg | |
| 280 lb127 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 148 lb67.1 kg | 199 lb90.3 kg | 251 lb113.9 kg | 303 lb137.4 kg |
| Push Press | 161 lb73 kg | 189 lb85.7 kg | 221 lb100.2 kg | 278 lb126.1 kg | |
| 290 lb131.5 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 151 lb68.5 kg | 204 lb92.5 kg | 257 lb116.6 kg | 310 lb140.6 kg |
| Push Press | 164 lb74.4 kg | 194 lb88 kg | 227 lb103 kg | 285 lb129.3 kg | |
| 300 lb136.1 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 155 lb70.3 kg | 209 lb94.8 kg | 263 lb119.3 kg | 317 lb143.8 kg |
| Push Press | 168 lb76.2 kg | 198 lb89.8 kg | 232 lb105.2 kg | 292 lb132.4 kg |
Women’s Close-Grip Bench Press vs Push 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 | Close-Grip Bench Press | 39 lb17.7 kg | 54 lb24.5 kg | 69 lb31.3 kg | 89 lb40.4 kg |
| Push Press | 43 lb19.5 kg | 54 lb24.5 kg | 66 lb29.9 kg | 87 lb39.5 kg | |
| 110 lb49.9 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 41 lb18.6 kg | 58 lb26.3 kg | 73 lb33.1 kg | 94 lb42.6 kg |
| Push Press | 46 lb20.9 kg | 58 lb26.3 kg | 71 lb32.2 kg | 93 lb42.2 kg | |
| 120 lb54.4 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 44 lb20 kg | 61 lb27.7 kg | 78 lb35.4 kg | 100 lb45.4 kg |
| Push Press | 49 lb22.2 kg | 61 lb27.7 kg | 75 lb34 kg | 98 lb44.5 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 46 lb20.9 kg | 65 lb29.5 kg | 82 lb37.2 kg | 105 lb47.6 kg |
| Push Press | 52 lb23.6 kg | 65 lb29.5 kg | 79 lb35.8 kg | 104 lb47.2 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 49 lb22.2 kg | 68 lb30.8 kg | 86 lb39 kg | 111 lb50.3 kg |
| Push Press | 54 lb24.5 kg | 68 lb30.8 kg | 83 lb37.6 kg | 109 lb49.4 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 51 lb23.1 kg | 71 lb32.2 kg | 90 lb40.8 kg | 116 lb52.6 kg |
| Push Press | 57 lb25.9 kg | 71 lb32.2 kg | 87 lb39.5 kg | 114 lb51.7 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 53 lb24 kg | 74 lb33.6 kg | 94 lb42.6 kg | 121 lb54.9 kg |
| Push Press | 60 lb27.2 kg | 74 lb33.6 kg | 91 lb41.3 kg | 119 lb54 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 55 lb24.9 kg | 77 lb34.9 kg | 98 lb44.5 kg | 126 lb57.2 kg |
| Push Press | 62 lb28.1 kg | 77 lb34.9 kg | 95 lb43.1 kg | 124 lb56.2 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 58 lb26.3 kg | 80 lb36.3 kg | 102 lb46.3 kg | 131 lb59.4 kg |
| Push Press | 64 lb29 kg | 80 lb36.3 kg | 98 lb44.5 kg | 129 lb58.5 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 60 lb27.2 kg | 83 lb37.6 kg | 105 lb47.6 kg | 136 lb61.7 kg |
| Push Press | 67 lb30.4 kg | 83 lb37.6 kg | 102 lb46.3 kg | 133 lb60.3 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 62 lb28.1 kg | 86 lb39 kg | 109 lb49.4 kg | 141 lb64 kg |
| Push Press | 69 lb31.3 kg | 86 lb39 kg | 105 lb47.6 kg | 138 lb62.6 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 64 lb29 kg | 89 lb40.4 kg | 113 lb51.3 kg | 145 lb65.8 kg |
| Push Press | 71 lb32.2 kg | 89 lb40.4 kg | 109 lb49.4 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 66 lb29.9 kg | 92 lb41.7 kg | 116 lb52.6 kg | 150 lb68 kg |
| Push Press | 74 lb33.6 kg | 92 lb41.7 kg | 112 lb50.8 kg | 147 lb66.7 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 68 lb30.8 kg | 94 lb42.6 kg | 120 lb54.4 kg | 154 lb69.9 kg |
| Push Press | 76 lb34.5 kg | 94 lb42.6 kg | 116 lb52.6 kg | 152 lb68.9 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Close-Grip Bench Press | 70 lb31.8 kg | 97 lb44 kg | 123 lb55.8 kg | 159 lb72.1 kg |
| Push Press | 78 lb35.4 kg | 97 lb44 kg | 119 lb54 kg | 156 lb70.8 kg |
How Your Close Grip Bench Press vs Push 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
When the set contains one rep, the entered load is the estimate. For 2–12 reps, the calculator keeps the less aggressive of the two formula results.
- Epley: weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30)
- Brzycki: weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps)
Use recent Close-Grip Bench Press and Push Press sets with consistent technique and full intended range of motion. Difficult lower-rep sets generally make the estimated max less dependent on extrapolation.
2. Find the close-grip bench press strength level
For close-grip bench press, the individual exercise thresholds start from reference bodyweights of 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women. Exact-bodyweight targets use reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
The target rises more slowly than bodyweight so larger lifters are expected to press more without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the push press strength level
The push 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
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.
A priority result is a standards comparison, not a diagnosis. Differences in technique, fatigue, practice, or set effort may influence it. Age range is recorded anonymously and does not alter 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 close-grip bench press | Use total-barbell estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the push 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 Close Grip Bench Press and Push Press Standards Differ
What the men’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 120 lb.
Across all listed bodyweights, Novice keep the same higher-target direction.
Across 120–300 lb bodyweight, the Elite gap changes from 6.3 to 11.4 kg.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Push Press standard minus the Close-Grip Bench Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Push Press standard is higher, and below zero means the Close-Grip 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 Close Grip Bench Press and Push Press Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Across all listed bodyweights, Novice keep the same higher-target direction.
0.9 → 1.3 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Push Press standard minus the Close-Grip Bench Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Push Press standard is higher, and below zero means the Close-Grip 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.
Close Grip Bench Press and Push Press Exercises Used by This Calculator
Compare like-for-like attempts by keeping the close-grip bench press and push press setup consistent with their individual rules. Use strict, repeatable Close Grip Bench Press and Push 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 the Close-Grip Bench Press setup and load convention
Barbell is lowered under control to the lower chest or sternum on every repetition. A narrow grip is used with hands inside shoulder width. Elbows remain tucked throughout the lift. The bar must clearly touch the chest before pressing upward. Each rep finishes with full elbow lockout. Raw lifting only; no equipped or assisted pressing is included. No wide-grip benching, partial reps, Smith machine pressing, incline pressing, floor press, board press, or machine press variations are included. Each repetition must be performed with consistent technique and grip across tests. Estimated 1RM is calculated from the entered load and reps.
Use the exercise-specific Push Press setup and load convention
Barbell starts in the front rack position at the shoulders. A controlled dip is performed using the legs and hips before driving the bar upward. Leg drive initiates the bar path and the arms finish the lockout overhead. Each rep counts only when the bar is fully locked out overhead with elbows fully extended. The bar must remain under control throughout the full range of motion. Dip depth and technique must stay consistent across tests. Raw lifting only. Allowed equipment: barbell, rack, belt (optional), wrist wraps (optional), lifting shoes (optional). Excluded variations: strict overhead press (no leg drive), push jerk, split jerk, partial lockout reps, Smith machine pressing, and machine shoulder press variations. Estimated 1RM is calculated from the entered load and reps.
Enter one recent Close Grip Bench Press result and one recent Push Press result
First lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: total barbell load and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms.
Related Tools
- Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press — View the individual Close-Grip Bench Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Barbell Push Press — View the individual Push Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Archer Push Up Strength Standards — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Arnold Press — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Assisted Dip Machine — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Axle Back Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.