Leg Press (45° Sled) vs Lying Leg Curl Strength Standards

Leg Press vs Lying Leg Curl Strength Standards

Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the 45-degree leg press and lying leg curl 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 Leg Press / Lying Leg Curl, with pounds above kilograms. Use the calculator for your exact bodyweight and recent sets.

Men’s Leg Press vs Lying Leg Curl 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.

Women’s Leg Press vs Lying Leg Curl 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.

How Your Leg Press vs Lying Leg Curl 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)

Use recent Leg Press and Lying Leg Curl 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 45-degree leg press strength level

The 45-degree leg 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 heavier lifters are expected to press more sled load without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.

3. Find the lying leg curl strength level

The lying leg curl 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.

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

Strength level decides the comparison first. Matching levels remain Balanced unless progress toward the next target differs by at least 10 points.

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.

Enter both sets above to see the estimated maxes, assigned levels, next-level targets, and comparison result.

How Men’s Leg Press and Lying Leg Curl Standards Differ

How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Lying Leg Curl standard minus the Leg Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Lying Leg Curl standard is higher, and below zero means the Leg Press standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.

How Women’s Leg Press and Lying Leg Curl Standards Differ

How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Lying Leg Curl standard minus the Leg Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Lying Leg Curl standard is higher, and below zero means the Leg Press standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.

Leg Press and Lying Leg Curl Exercises Used by This Calculator

The calculator expects repeatable 45-degree leg press and lying leg curl results. Follow each exercise definition below so the two ratings are based on valid tests. Use strict, repeatable Leg Press and Lying Leg Curl 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 45-degree plate-loaded sled leg press

Keep both feet flat and approximately shoulder-width, descend until the thighs reach at least parallel to the platform without lifting the hips or rounding the lower back, and press to controlled full knee extension. Do not enter a horizontal, vertical, selectorized, single-leg, high-foot, partial, bounced, or assisted press.

Use the Lying Leg Curl setup and load convention

Selected or loaded machine resistance is used. Enter total bilateral load, not per-leg load. Do not add bodyweight to the entered load. Strict prone bilateral machine leg curl. Hip contact and lower-leg pad stay consistent. Back, hips, pelvis, thighs, body pad, and pad position stay stable. Controlled near-extended start position required. Controlled flexed-knee finish required. Controlled return required. Same machine, body pad, thigh restraint, pad, and range for the full set. No partial pulses or shortened-range reps. No stack bounce or machine rebound. No hip lift, pad slide, pelvis rotation, torso heave, or aggressive handle-pulling. No unilateral, alternating-leg, or one-leg-assisted reps. No forced reps, partner assistance, or uncontrolled returns.

Enter one recent Leg Press result and one recent Lying Leg Curl result

First lift: total plates loaded on the 45-degree sled and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: displayed machine or cable resistance and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms.

Related Tools

• Leg Press (45° Sled) — View the individual Leg Press standards and next strength-level target.
• Lying Leg Curl — View the individual Lying Leg Curl standards and next strength-level target.
• Seated Leg Curl — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Leg Extension — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Romanian Deadlift — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Barbell Stiff-Leg Deadlift — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.