Barbell Back Squat vs Barbell Cyclist Squat
Compare your barbell squat and barbell cyclist squat against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Test each lift with 1–12 strict reps to see estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
First lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: weight used and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms. For the first exercise, keep the bar high on the traps, descend until the hip crease passes below the top of the knee, and stand to full hip and knee extension. For the second exercise, descend under control with knees tracking forward over the feet to a consistent deep squat depth, then stand to full lockout without changing stance or heel height. Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Barbell Squat vs Barbell Cyclist Squat Strength Standards
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the barbell back squat and barbell cyclist squat to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. The numbers are calculator targets, not a required gap between the two lifts.
Choose the men’s or women’s table, find the closest bodyweight row, and read across to Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Elite. Each entry shows Barbell Squat / Barbell Cyclist Squat, with pounds above kilograms. Use the calculator for your exact bodyweight and recent sets.
Men’s Barbell Squat vs Barbell Cyclist Squat 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 | Barbell Squat | 244 lb110.7 kg | 278 lb126.1 kg | 314 lb142.4 kg | 347 lb157.4 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 90 lb40.8 kg | 129 lb58.5 kg | 174 lb78.9 kg | 221 lb100.2 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Barbell Squat | 258 lb117 kg | 293 lb132.9 kg | 332 lb150.6 kg | 366 lb166 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 95 lb43.1 kg | 136 lb61.7 kg | 183 lb83 kg | 233 lb105.7 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Barbell Squat | 271 lb122.9 kg | 308 lb139.7 kg | 348 lb157.9 kg | 384 lb174.2 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 100 lb45.4 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg | 193 lb87.5 kg | 245 lb111.1 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Barbell Squat | 284 lb128.8 kg | 322 lb146.1 kg | 365 lb165.6 kg | 402 lb182.3 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 104 lb47.2 kg | 149 lb67.6 kg | 202 lb91.6 kg | 256 lb116.1 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Barbell Squat | 296 lb134.3 kg | 336 lb152.4 kg | 381 lb172.8 kg | 420 lb190.5 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 109 lb49.4 kg | 156 lb70.8 kg | 210 lb95.3 kg | 268 lb121.6 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Barbell Squat | 308 lb139.7 kg | 350 lb158.8 kg | 396 lb179.6 kg | 437 lb198.2 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 113 lb51.3 kg | 162 lb73.5 kg | 219 lb99.3 kg | 279 lb126.6 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Barbell Squat | 320 lb145.1 kg | 364 lb165.1 kg | 412 lb186.9 kg | 454 lb205.9 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 118 lb53.5 kg | 169 lb76.7 kg | 228 lb103.4 kg | 289 lb131.1 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Barbell Squat | 332 lb150.6 kg | 377 lb171 kg | 427 lb193.7 kg | 471 lb213.6 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 122 lb55.3 kg | 175 lb79.4 kg | 236 lb107 kg | 300 lb136.1 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Barbell Squat | 344 lb156 kg | 390 lb176.9 kg | 442 lb200.5 kg | 487 lb220.9 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 126 lb57.2 kg | 181 lb82.1 kg | 244 lb110.7 kg | 310 lb140.6 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Barbell Squat | 355 lb161 kg | 403 lb182.8 kg | 456 lb206.8 kg | 503 lb228.2 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 130 lb59 kg | 187 lb84.8 kg | 252 lb114.3 kg | 321 lb145.6 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Barbell Squat | 366 lb166 kg | 416 lb188.7 kg | 471 lb213.6 kg | 519 lb235.4 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 135 lb61.2 kg | 193 lb87.5 kg | 260 lb117.9 kg | 331 lb150.1 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Barbell Squat | 377 lb171 kg | 428 lb194.1 kg | 485 lb220 kg | 535 lb242.7 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 139 lb63 kg | 199 lb90.3 kg | 268 lb121.6 kg | 341 lb154.7 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Barbell Squat | 388 lb176 kg | 441 lb200 kg | 499 lb226.3 kg | 550 lb249.5 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 143 lb64.9 kg | 204 lb92.5 kg | 276 lb125.2 kg | 351 lb159.2 kg | |
| 250 lb113.4 kg | Barbell Squat | 399 lb181 kg | 453 lb205.5 kg | 513 lb232.7 kg | 566 lb256.7 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 146 lb66.2 kg | 210 lb95.3 kg | 283 lb128.4 kg | 360 lb163.3 kg | |
| 260 lb117.9 kg | Barbell Squat | 409 lb185.5 kg | 465 lb210.9 kg | 526 lb238.6 kg | 581 lb263.5 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 150 lb68 kg | 216 lb98 kg | 291 lb132 kg | 370 lb167.8 kg | |
| 270 lb122.5 kg | Barbell Squat | 420 lb190.5 kg | 477 lb216.4 kg | 540 lb244.9 kg | 595 lb269.9 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 154 lb69.9 kg | 221 lb100.2 kg | 298 lb135.2 kg | 379 lb171.9 kg | |
| 280 lb127 kg | Barbell Squat | 430 lb195 kg | 488 lb221.4 kg | 553 lb250.8 kg | 610 lb276.7 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 158 lb71.7 kg | 227 lb103 kg | 306 lb138.8 kg | 388 lb176 kg | |
| 290 lb131.5 kg | Barbell Squat | 440 lb199.6 kg | 500 lb226.8 kg | 566 lb256.7 kg | 624 lb283 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 162 lb73.5 kg | 232 lb105.2 kg | 313 lb142 kg | 398 lb180.5 kg | |
| 300 lb136.1 kg | Barbell Squat | 450 lb204.1 kg | 511 lb231.8 kg | 579 lb262.6 kg | 639 lb289.8 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 165 lb74.8 kg | 237 lb107.5 kg | 320 lb145.1 kg | 407 lb184.6 kg |
Women’s Barbell Squat vs Barbell Cyclist Squat 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 | Barbell Squat | 143 lb64.9 kg | 166 lb75.3 kg | 197 lb89.4 kg | 220 lb99.8 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 50 lb22.7 kg | 76 lb34.5 kg | 105 lb47.6 kg | 137 lb62.1 kg | |
| 110 lb49.9 kg | Barbell Squat | 153 lb69.4 kg | 177 lb80.3 kg | 210 lb95.3 kg | 234 lb106.1 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 54 lb24.5 kg | 81 lb36.7 kg | 112 lb50.8 kg | 146 lb66.2 kg | |
| 120 lb54.4 kg | Barbell Squat | 162 lb73.5 kg | 188 lb85.3 kg | 222 lb100.7 kg | 248 lb112.5 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 57 lb25.9 kg | 85 lb38.6 kg | 119 lb54 kg | 155 lb70.3 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Barbell Squat | 171 lb77.6 kg | 198 lb89.8 kg | 235 lb106.6 kg | 262 lb118.8 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 60 lb27.2 kg | 90 lb40.8 kg | 125 lb56.7 kg | 164 lb74.4 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Barbell Squat | 180 lb81.6 kg | 208 lb94.3 kg | 246 lb111.6 kg | 275 lb124.7 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 63 lb28.6 kg | 95 lb43.1 kg | 132 lb59.9 kg | 172 lb78 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Barbell Squat | 188 lb85.3 kg | 218 lb98.9 kg | 258 lb117 kg | 288 lb130.6 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 66 lb29.9 kg | 99 lb44.9 kg | 138 lb62.6 kg | 180 lb81.6 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Barbell Squat | 196 lb88.9 kg | 228 lb103.4 kg | 269 lb122 kg | 301 lb136.5 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 69 lb31.3 kg | 103 lb46.7 kg | 144 lb65.3 kg | 188 lb85.3 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Barbell Squat | 204 lb92.5 kg | 237 lb107.5 kg | 280 lb127 kg | 313 lb142 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 72 lb32.7 kg | 108 lb49 kg | 150 lb68 kg | 196 lb88.9 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Barbell Squat | 212 lb96.2 kg | 246 lb111.6 kg | 291 lb132 kg | 325 lb147.4 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 75 lb34 kg | 112 lb50.8 kg | 156 lb70.8 kg | 203 lb92.1 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Barbell Squat | 220 lb99.8 kg | 255 lb115.7 kg | 302 lb137 kg | 337 lb152.9 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 77 lb34.9 kg | 116 lb52.6 kg | 162 lb73.5 kg | 211 lb95.7 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Barbell Squat | 228 lb103.4 kg | 264 lb119.7 kg | 313 lb142 kg | 349 lb158.3 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 80 lb36.3 kg | 120 lb54.4 kg | 167 lb75.7 kg | 218 lb98.9 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Barbell Squat | 235 lb106.6 kg | 273 lb123.8 kg | 323 lb146.5 kg | 360 lb163.3 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 83 lb37.6 kg | 124 lb56.2 kg | 173 lb78.5 kg | 225 lb102.1 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Barbell Squat | 243 lb110.2 kg | 281 lb127.5 kg | 333 lb151 kg | 372 lb168.7 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 85 lb38.6 kg | 128 lb58.1 kg | 178 lb80.7 kg | 232 lb105.2 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Barbell Squat | 250 lb113.4 kg | 290 lb131.5 kg | 343 lb155.6 kg | 383 lb173.7 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 88 lb39.9 kg | 132 lb59.9 kg | 184 lb83.5 kg | 239 lb108.4 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Barbell Squat | 257 lb116.6 kg | 298 lb135.2 kg | 353 lb160.1 kg | 394 lb178.7 kg |
| Barbell Cyclist Squat | 90 lb40.8 kg | 135 lb61.2 kg | 189 lb85.7 kg | 246 lb111.6 kg |
How Your Barbell Squat vs Barbell Cyclist Squat 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
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)
Set quality matters for this Barbell Squat vs Barbell Cyclist Squat comparison. Enter technically consistent, challenging sets, and prefer lower-rep results when practical because the estimate extends less far beyond the performed set.
2. Find the barbell back squat strength level
The standards use the sex-specific high-bar, full-depth back squat thresholds from the individual tool after its two-thirds scaling migration. 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 barbell cyclist squat strength level
The barbell cyclist squat 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 barbell squat | Use total-barbell estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the barbell cyclist squat | 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 Squat and Barbell Cyclist Squat Standards Differ
What the men’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 120 lb.
The higher target remains with Barbell Squat for Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite throughout the table.
At Elite, the difference is 57.2 kg at 120 lb and 105.2 kg at 300 lb.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Barbell Cyclist Squat standard minus the Barbell Squat standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Barbell Cyclist Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Barbell Squat 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 Squat and Barbell Cyclist Squat 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 37.7 kg at 100 lb and 67.1 kg at 240 lb.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Barbell Cyclist Squat standard minus the Barbell Squat standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Barbell Cyclist Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Barbell Squat 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 Squat and Barbell Cyclist Squat Exercises Used by This Calculator
The calculator expects repeatable barbell back squat and barbell cyclist squat results. Follow each exercise definition below so the two ratings are based on valid tests. Use strict, repeatable Barbell Squat and Barbell Cyclist Squat 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 raw high-bar squat below parallel
Enter the bar plus all plates. Keep the bar high on the traps, descend until the hip crease passes below the top of the knee, and stand to full hip and knee extension. Do not enter per-side plates, low-bar, box, pin, partial, Smith-machine, hack-squat, wrapped, suited, or assisted results.
Use the Barbell Cyclist Squat setup and load convention
The entered weight for strict Barbell Cyclist Squat. Valid Barbell Cyclist Squat reps. Descend under control with knees tracking forward over the feet to a consistent deep squat depth, then stand to full lockout without changing stance or heel height. A valid finish requires hips and knees fully extended, balance regained, and the bar controlled on the back without assistance. Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set. No substituted exercise or assisted reps.
Enter one recent Barbell Squat result and one recent Barbell Cyclist Squat result
First lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: weight used and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms.
Related Tools
- Barbell Back Squat (High-Bar, Full Depth) — View the individual Barbell Squat standards and next strength-level target.
- Barbell Cyclist Squat — View the individual Barbell Cyclist Squat standards and next strength-level target.
- Smith Machine Back Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Paused Front Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Hack Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Safety Bar Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.