Barbell Front Squat vs Horizontal Leg Press

Barbell Front Squat vs Horizontal Leg Press Strength Standards

Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the barbell front squat and horizontal leg press 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 Front Squat / Horizontal Leg Press, with pounds above kilograms. Use the calculator for your exact bodyweight and recent sets.

Men’s Barbell Front Squat vs Horizontal Leg 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.

Women’s Barbell Front Squat vs Horizontal Leg 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.

How Your Barbell Front Squat vs Horizontal Leg Press Result Is Calculated

Both lifts are scored independently first: estimated max, bodyweight-adjusted strength level, and progress toward the next level. Those ratings drive the comparison.

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 Barbell Front Squat and Horizontal Leg 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 barbell front squat strength level

For barbell front squat, 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.

This adjustment expects larger lifters to move more weight, but it does not increase the target pound for pound with bodyweight.

3. Find the horizontal leg press strength level

The horizontal 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 displayed resistance 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.

Use the calculator above to view both estimated maxes, strength levels, next targets, and the resulting priority or Balanced verdict.

How Men’s Barbell Front Squat and Horizontal Leg Press Standards Differ

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

How Women’s Barbell Front Squat and Horizontal Leg Press Standards Differ

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

Barbell Front Squat and Horizontal Leg Press Exercises Used by This Calculator

Compare like-for-like attempts by keeping the barbell front squat and horizontal leg press setup consistent with their individual rules. Use strict, repeatable Barbell Front Squat and Horizontal Leg 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.

Keep the bar in the front rack through full depth

Enter the bar plus all plates. Support the bar across the front of the shoulders, descend under control until the hip crease is below the top of the knee, and stand to full lockout while retaining the front rack. Do not enter per-side plates, back squats, Zercher or goblet squats, Smith or machine squats, partial reps, assisted reps, or reps that lose the front rack.

Use a strict horizontal leg press

Use the same horizontal machine, seat, stance, and range. Keep the back, hips, and pelvis against the pads, press from a controlled bottom depth to a controlled top position, and return without bouncing. Do not enter a 45-degree sled, vertical press, hack squat, single-leg rep, calf press, partial rep, or bodyweight-added load.

Enter one recent Barbell Front Squat result and one recent Horizontal Leg Press result

First lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: displayed total bilateral machine resistance and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms.

Related Tools

• Barbell Front Squat — View the individual Barbell Front Squat standards and next strength-level target.
• Horizontal Leg Press — View the individual Horizontal Leg Press standards and next strength-level target.
• Leg Press (45° Sled) — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Machine Hack Squat — 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.
• Barbell Back Squat (High-Bar, Full Depth) — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.