Barbell Squat vs Leg Press Strength Standards
Compare your barbell squat and leg press against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Enter one recent set of 1–12 reps for each lift to see your estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and which lift you should prioritize.
For Barbell Squat, enter total barbell weight. For Leg Press, enter displayed sled weight. Use a high-bar back squat below parallel with a full standing lockout and a controlled bilateral leg press on a 45-degree plate-loaded sled through consistent depth. You can enter either lift in pounds or kilograms. Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Barbell Squat vs Leg Press Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the barbell squat and leg press to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your barbell squat and leg press.
Choose the men’s or women’s table, find your bodyweight or the closest listed row, then read across to Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Elite. Every entry shows Barbell Squat / Leg Press, with pounds first and kilograms underneath. For a result based on your exact bodyweight and recent sets, use the calculator above; you do not need to test either true one-rep max.
Men’s Barbell Squat vs Leg Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Barbell Squat; the second is Leg Press. Each number is the lowest estimated one-rep max needed to reach that strength level. Scroll horizontally on smaller screens.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 244 / 168 lb 110.7 / 76.2 kg | 278 / 252 lb 126.1 / 114.3 kg | 314 / 350 lb 142.4 / 158.8 kg | 347 / 448 lb 157.4 / 203.2 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 258 / 177 lb 117 / 80.3 kg | 293 / 266 lb 132.9 / 120.7 kg | 332 / 369 lb 150.6 / 167.4 kg | 366 / 472 lb 166 / 214.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 271 / 186 lb 122.9 / 84.4 kg | 308 / 279 lb 139.7 / 126.6 kg | 348 / 388 lb 157.9 / 176 kg | 384 / 496 lb 174.2 / 225 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 284 / 195 lb 128.8 / 88.5 kg | 322 / 292 lb 146.1 / 132.4 kg | 365 / 406 lb 165.6 / 184.2 kg | 402 / 519 lb 182.3 / 235.4 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 296 / 203 lb 134.3 / 92.1 kg | 336 / 305 lb 152.4 / 138.3 kg | 381 / 424 lb 172.8 / 192.3 kg | 420 / 542 lb 190.5 / 245.8 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 308 / 212 lb 139.7 / 96.2 kg | 350 / 318 lb 158.8 / 144.2 kg | 396 / 441 lb 179.6 / 200 kg | 437 / 565 lb 198.2 / 256.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 320 / 220 lb 145.1 / 99.8 kg | 364 / 330 lb 165.1 / 149.7 kg | 412 / 458 lb 186.9 / 207.7 kg | 454 / 586 lb 205.9 / 265.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 332 / 228 lb 150.6 / 103.4 kg | 377 / 342 lb 171 / 155.1 kg | 427 / 475 lb 193.7 / 215.5 kg | 471 / 608 lb 213.6 / 275.8 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 344 / 236 lb 156 / 107 kg | 390 / 354 lb 176.9 / 160.6 kg | 442 / 492 lb 200.5 / 223.2 kg | 487 / 629 lb 220.9 / 285.3 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 355 / 244 lb 161 / 110.7 kg | 403 / 366 lb 182.8 / 166 kg | 456 / 508 lb 206.8 / 230.4 kg | 503 / 650 lb 228.2 / 294.8 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 366 / 251 lb 166 / 113.9 kg | 416 / 377 lb 188.7 / 171 kg | 471 / 524 lb 213.6 / 237.7 kg | 519 / 670 lb 235.4 / 303.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 377 / 259 lb 171 / 117.5 kg | 428 / 388 lb 194.1 / 176 kg | 485 / 540 lb 220 / 244.9 kg | 535 / 691 lb 242.7 / 313.4 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 388 / 266 lb 176 / 120.7 kg | 441 / 400 lb 200 / 181.4 kg | 499 / 555 lb 226.3 / 251.7 kg | 550 / 710 lb 249.5 / 322.1 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 399 / 274 lb 181 / 124.3 kg | 453 / 411 lb 205.5 / 186.4 kg | 513 / 570 lb 232.7 / 258.5 kg | 566 / 730 lb 256.7 / 331.1 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 409 / 281 lb 185.5 / 127.5 kg | 465 / 422 lb 210.9 / 191.4 kg | 526 / 585 lb 238.6 / 265.4 kg | 581 / 749 lb 263.5 / 339.7 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 420 / 288 lb 190.5 / 130.6 kg | 477 / 432 lb 216.4 / 196 kg | 540 / 600 lb 244.9 / 272.2 kg | 595 / 768 lb 269.9 / 348.4 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 430 / 295 lb 195 / 133.8 kg | 488 / 443 lb 221.4 / 200.9 kg | 553 / 615 lb 250.8 / 279 kg | 610 / 787 lb 276.7 / 357 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 440 / 302 lb 199.6 / 137 kg | 500 / 453 lb 226.8 / 205.5 kg | 566 / 630 lb 256.7 / 285.8 kg | 624 / 806 lb 283 / 365.6 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 450 / 309 lb 204.1 / 140.2 kg | 511 / 464 lb 231.8 / 210.5 kg | 579 / 644 lb 262.6 / 292.1 kg | 639 / 824 lb 289.8 / 373.8 kg |
Women’s Barbell Squat vs Leg Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Barbell Squat; the second is Leg Press. Each number is the lowest estimated one-rep max needed to reach that strength level. Scroll horizontally on smaller screens.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | 143 / 114 lb 64.9 / 51.7 kg | 166 / 172 lb 75.3 / 78 kg | 197 / 240 lb 89.4 / 108.9 kg | 220 / 309 lb 99.8 / 140.2 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 153 / 122 lb 69.4 / 55.3 kg | 177 / 183 lb 80.3 / 83 kg | 210 / 256 lb 95.3 / 116.1 kg | 234 / 329 lb 106.1 / 149.2 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 162 / 129 lb 73.5 / 58.5 kg | 188 / 194 lb 85.3 / 88 kg | 222 / 271 lb 100.7 / 122.9 kg | 248 / 349 lb 112.5 / 158.3 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 171 / 136 lb 77.6 / 61.7 kg | 198 / 205 lb 89.8 / 93 kg | 235 / 286 lb 106.6 / 129.7 kg | 262 / 368 lb 118.8 / 166.9 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 180 / 143 lb 81.6 / 64.9 kg | 208 / 215 lb 94.3 / 97.5 kg | 246 / 301 lb 111.6 / 136.5 kg | 275 / 387 lb 124.7 / 175.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 188 / 150 lb 85.3 / 68 kg | 218 / 225 lb 98.9 / 102.1 kg | 258 / 315 lb 117 / 142.9 kg | 288 / 405 lb 130.6 / 183.7 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 196 / 157 lb 88.9 / 71.2 kg | 228 / 235 lb 103.4 / 106.6 kg | 269 / 329 lb 122 / 149.2 kg | 301 / 423 lb 136.5 / 191.9 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 204 / 163 lb 92.5 / 73.9 kg | 237 / 245 lb 107.5 / 111.1 kg | 280 / 342 lb 127 / 155.1 kg | 313 / 440 lb 142 / 199.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 212 / 169 lb 96.2 / 76.7 kg | 246 / 254 lb 111.6 / 115.2 kg | 291 / 356 lb 132 / 161.5 kg | 325 / 457 lb 147.4 / 207.3 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 220 / 176 lb 99.8 / 79.8 kg | 255 / 263 lb 115.7 / 119.3 kg | 302 / 369 lb 137 / 167.4 kg | 337 / 474 lb 152.9 / 215 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 228 / 182 lb 103.4 / 82.6 kg | 264 / 273 lb 119.7 / 123.8 kg | 313 / 382 lb 142 / 173.3 kg | 349 / 491 lb 158.3 / 222.7 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 235 / 188 lb 106.6 / 85.3 kg | 273 / 282 lb 123.8 / 127.9 kg | 323 / 394 lb 146.5 / 178.7 kg | 360 / 507 lb 163.3 / 230 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 243 / 194 lb 110.2 / 88 kg | 281 / 290 lb 127.5 / 131.5 kg | 333 / 407 lb 151 / 184.6 kg | 372 / 523 lb 168.7 / 237.2 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 250 / 199 lb 113.4 / 90.3 kg | 290 / 299 lb 131.5 / 135.6 kg | 343 / 419 lb 155.6 / 190.1 kg | 383 / 539 lb 173.7 / 244.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 257 / 205 lb 116.6 / 93 kg | 298 / 308 lb 135.2 / 139.7 kg | 353 / 431 lb 160.1 / 195.5 kg | 394 / 554 lb 178.7 / 251.3 kg |
How Your Barbell Squat vs Leg Press Result Is Calculated
The calculator estimates each max, rates it against the standards for that exercise and bodyweight, then compares the two ratings. Here is the complete process.
1. Estimate a one-rep max from each set
For one rep, it uses the weight entered. For 2–12 reps, it runs both formulas and keeps the lower, less aggressive estimate.
- Epley: weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30)
- Brzycki: weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps)
A published back-squat study supports estimated-max prediction under its study conditions. It does not independently validate every exercise or population used by this comparison. Estimates are more dependable from clean, difficult, lower-rep sets. See the Back-squat formula validation study and Published discussion of back-squat one-rep-max prediction research.
2. Find the barbell squat strength level
The barbell squat standards use the approved sex-specific reference targets and strict high-bar full-depth rules from the individual tool. Targets begin at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women, then adjust to your exact bodyweight: reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
The target rises more slowly than bodyweight so heavier lifters are expected to squat more total barbell weight without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the leg press strength level
The leg press standards use the exercise-specific targets from the individual 45-degree sled leg press tool. Targets begin at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women, then adjust to your exact bodyweight: 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 displayed sled weight 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 is the priority. If the levels match, a priority appears only when one lift is at least 10 points farther from its next level. Otherwise, the result is Balanced.
The result shows which lift ranks lower, not why. Technique, fatigue, training history, and set quality can affect it. Age range is recorded anonymously but does not change the 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 | Adjust barbell squat targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the leg press | Adjust leg press targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds 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. |
Use the calculator above to see both estimated maxes, strength levels, the priority or Balanced result, and both next-level targets.
How Men’s Barbell Squat and Leg Press Standards Differ
How to read both charts: Choose a strength level, find bodyweight along the bottom, and follow that level’s line. Zero means the two standards are equal. Above zero means the leg press standard is higher; below zero means the barbell squat standard is higher. On a phone, swipe the chart left and right to inspect the full-size lines and labels. The tables provide the exact pounds and kilograms.
What the men’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 120 lb.
Advanced and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
45.8 → 84 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the leg press standard minus the barbell squat standard. A plus sign means the leg press standard is higher. A minus sign means the barbell squat standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −76 lb −34.5 kg | −26 lb −11.8 kg | +36 lb +16.4 kg | +101 lb +45.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −81 lb −36.7 kg | −27 lb −12.2 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +106 lb +48.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −85 lb −38.5 kg | −29 lb −13.1 kg | +40 lb +18.1 kg | +112 lb +50.8 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −89 lb −40.3 kg | −30 lb −13.7 kg | +41 lb +18.6 kg | +117 lb +53.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −93 lb −42.2 kg | −31 lb −14.1 kg | +43 lb +19.5 kg | +122 lb +55.3 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −96 lb −43.5 kg | −32 lb −14.6 kg | +45 lb +20.4 kg | +128 lb +58.1 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −100 lb −45.3 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | +46 lb +20.8 kg | +132 lb +59.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −104 lb −47.2 kg | −35 lb −15.9 kg | +48 lb +21.8 kg | +137 lb +62.2 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −108 lb −49 kg | −36 lb −16.3 kg | +50 lb +22.7 kg | +142 lb +64.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −111 lb −50.3 kg | −37 lb −16.8 kg | +52 lb +23.6 kg | +147 lb +66.6 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −115 lb −52.1 kg | −39 lb −17.7 kg | +53 lb +24.1 kg | +151 lb +68.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −118 lb −53.5 kg | −40 lb −18.1 kg | +55 lb +24.9 kg | +156 lb +70.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −122 lb −55.3 kg | −41 lb −18.6 kg | +56 lb +25.4 kg | +160 lb +72.6 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | −125 lb −56.7 kg | −42 lb −19.1 kg | +57 lb +25.8 kg | +164 lb +74.4 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | −128 lb −58 kg | −43 lb −19.5 kg | +59 lb +26.8 kg | +168 lb +76.2 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | −132 lb −59.9 kg | −45 lb −20.4 kg | +60 lb +27.3 kg | +173 lb +78.5 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | −135 lb −61.2 kg | −45 lb −20.5 kg | +62 lb +28.2 kg | +177 lb +80.3 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | −138 lb −62.6 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg | +64 lb +29.1 kg | +182 lb +82.6 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | −141 lb −63.9 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg | +65 lb +29.5 kg | +185 lb +84 kg |
How Women’s Barbell Squat and Leg Press Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
40.4 → 72.6 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the leg press standard minus the barbell squat standard. A plus sign means the leg press standard is higher. A minus sign means the barbell squat standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | −29 lb −13.2 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +43 lb +19.5 kg | +89 lb +40.4 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | −31 lb −14.1 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +46 lb +20.8 kg | +95 lb +43.1 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −33 lb −15 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg | +101 lb +45.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −35 lb −15.9 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +51 lb +23.1 kg | +106 lb +48.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −37 lb −16.7 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +55 lb +24.9 kg | +112 lb +50.8 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −38 lb −17.3 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +57 lb +25.9 kg | +117 lb +53.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −39 lb −17.7 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +60 lb +27.2 kg | +122 lb +55.4 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −41 lb −18.6 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +62 lb +28.1 kg | +127 lb +57.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −43 lb −19.5 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +65 lb +29.5 kg | +132 lb +59.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −44 lb −20 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +67 lb +30.4 kg | +137 lb +62.1 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −46 lb −20.8 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +69 lb +31.3 kg | +142 lb +64.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +71 lb +32.2 kg | +147 lb +66.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −49 lb −22.2 kg | +9 lb +4 kg | +74 lb +33.6 kg | +151 lb +68.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −51 lb −23.1 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +76 lb +34.5 kg | +156 lb +70.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −52 lb −23.6 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +78 lb +35.4 kg | +160 lb +72.6 kg |
Barbell Squat and Leg Press Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a high-bar full-depth barbell back squat and a 45-degree sled leg press. Use strict Barbell Squat and Leg Press sets that follow each individual tool’s canonical setup, range, equipment, and lockout rules. Do not transfer a load convention or variation from one exercise to the other.
Use a high-bar back squat below parallel
Place the bar high on the upper traps, descend until the hip crease is below the top of the knee, and return to full hip-and-knee lockout. Do not enter a low-bar, partial, box, pin, Smith-machine, hack-squat, assisted, wrapped, suited, or equipped result.
Use a 45-degree plate-loaded sled leg press
Keep both feet in a consistent shoulder-width position, keep the hips and lower back supported, lower the sled under control until the thighs reach at least parallel to the platform, and finish with full knee extension. Do not enter a vertical or selectorized machine, a single-leg variation, a partial rep, a high-foot variation, an assisted rep, or another machine’s displayed weight.
Enter one recent Barbell Squat set and one recent Leg Press set
Use each exercise’s stated load convention and enter a whole number from 1 to 12 reps. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Use clean, difficult sets and repeat the same equipment and setup when retesting.
Related Tools
- Barbell Back Squat (High-Bar, Full Depth) — View the individual Barbell Squat standards and next strength-level target.
- Leg Press (45° Sled) — View the individual Leg Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Barbell Box Squats — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Hack Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.