Incline Bench Press vs Machine Chest Press Strength Standards
Compare your incline bench press and machine chest press against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Enter 1–12 reps for estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
Enter total barbell weight for the incline bench press and displayed selectorized-machine resistance for the machine chest press. Testing: a raw barbell incline bench press at approximately 30–45 degrees with the bar lowered to the upper chest and every rep locked out; a selectorized horizontal chest press with the handles aligned near mid-chest, controlled chest-depth movement, and full elbow extension. Pounds or kilograms. Heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Incline Bench Press vs Machine Chest Press Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the incline bench press and machine chest 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 incline bench press and machine chest 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 Incline Bench Press / Machine Chest 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 Incline Bench Press vs Machine Chest Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Incline Bench Press; the second is Machine Chest 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 | 98 / 109 lb 44.5 / 49.4 kg | 133 / 151 lb 60.3 / 68.5 kg | 168 / 200 lb 76.2 / 90.7 kg | 203 / 259 lb 92.1 / 117.5 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 103 / 115 lb 46.7 / 52.2 kg | 141 / 159 lb 64 / 72.1 kg | 177 / 211 lb 80.3 / 95.7 kg | 214 / 273 lb 97.1 / 123.8 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 109 / 121 lb 49.4 / 54.9 kg | 148 / 167 lb 67.1 / 75.7 kg | 186 / 222 lb 84.4 / 100.7 kg | 225 / 287 lb 102.1 / 130.2 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 114 / 126 lb 51.7 / 57.2 kg | 155 / 175 lb 70.3 / 79.4 kg | 195 / 232 lb 88.5 / 105.2 kg | 236 / 301 lb 107 / 136.5 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 119 / 132 lb 54 / 59.9 kg | 161 / 183 lb 73 / 83 kg | 203 / 243 lb 92.1 / 110.2 kg | 246 / 314 lb 111.6 / 142.4 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 123 / 137 lb 55.8 / 62.1 kg | 168 / 190 lb 76.2 / 86.2 kg | 212 / 253 lb 96.2 / 114.8 kg | 256 / 327 lb 116.1 / 148.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 128 / 143 lb 58.1 / 64.9 kg | 175 / 198 lb 79.4 / 89.8 kg | 220 / 262 lb 99.8 / 118.8 kg | 266 / 340 lb 120.7 / 154.2 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 133 / 148 lb 60.3 / 67.1 kg | 181 / 205 lb 82.1 / 93 kg | 228 / 272 lb 103.4 / 123.4 kg | 276 / 352 lb 125.2 / 159.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 138 / 153 lb 62.6 / 69.4 kg | 187 / 212 lb 84.8 / 96.2 kg | 236 / 281 lb 107 / 127.5 kg | 286 / 364 lb 129.7 / 165.1 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 142 / 158 lb 64.4 / 71.7 kg | 193 / 219 lb 87.5 / 99.3 kg | 244 / 291 lb 110.7 / 132 kg | 295 / 376 lb 133.8 / 170.6 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 147 / 163 lb 66.7 / 73.9 kg | 200 / 226 lb 90.7 / 102.5 kg | 251 / 300 lb 113.9 / 136.1 kg | 304 / 388 lb 137.9 / 176 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 151 / 168 lb 68.5 / 76.2 kg | 206 / 233 lb 93.4 / 105.7 kg | 259 / 309 lb 117.5 / 140.2 kg | 313 / 400 lb 142 / 181.4 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 155 / 173 lb 70.3 / 78.5 kg | 212 / 240 lb 96.2 / 108.9 kg | 266 / 318 lb 120.7 / 144.2 kg | 323 / 411 lb 146.5 / 186.4 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 160 / 178 lb 72.6 / 80.7 kg | 217 / 246 lb 98.4 / 111.6 kg | 274 / 327 lb 124.3 / 148.3 kg | 331 / 423 lb 150.1 / 191.9 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 164 / 182 lb 74.4 / 82.6 kg | 223 / 253 lb 101.2 / 114.8 kg | 281 / 335 lb 127.5 / 152 kg | 340 / 434 lb 154.2 / 196.9 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 168 / 187 lb 76.2 / 84.8 kg | 229 / 259 lb 103.9 / 117.5 kg | 288 / 344 lb 130.6 / 156 kg | 349 / 445 lb 158.3 / 201.8 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 172 / 192 lb 78 / 87.1 kg | 234 / 265 lb 106.1 / 120.2 kg | 295 / 352 lb 133.8 / 159.7 kg | 357 / 456 lb 161.9 / 206.8 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 176 / 196 lb 79.8 / 88.9 kg | 240 / 272 lb 108.9 / 123.4 kg | 302 / 361 lb 137 / 163.7 kg | 366 / 467 lb 166 / 211.8 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 180 / 201 lb 81.6 / 91.2 kg | 245 / 278 lb 111.1 / 126.1 kg | 309 / 369 lb 140.2 / 167.4 kg | 374 / 477 lb 169.6 / 216.4 kg |
Women’s Incline Bench Press vs Machine Chest Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Incline Bench Press; the second is Machine Chest 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 | 46 / 60 lb 20.9 / 27.2 kg | 63 / 82 lb 28.6 / 37.2 kg | 80 / 112 lb 36.3 / 50.8 kg | 103 / 147 lb 46.7 / 66.7 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 49 / 63 lb 22.2 / 28.6 kg | 67 / 88 lb 30.4 / 39.9 kg | 85 / 120 lb 38.6 / 54.4 kg | 110 / 156 lb 49.9 / 70.8 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 52 / 67 lb 23.6 / 30.4 kg | 72 / 93 lb 32.7 / 42.2 kg | 90 / 127 lb 40.8 / 57.6 kg | 116 / 165 lb 52.6 / 74.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 55 / 71 lb 24.9 / 32.2 kg | 75 / 98 lb 34 / 44.5 kg | 95 / 134 lb 43.1 / 60.8 kg | 123 / 175 lb 55.8 / 79.4 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 57 / 74 lb 25.9 / 33.6 kg | 79 / 103 lb 35.8 / 46.7 kg | 100 / 140 lb 45.4 / 63.5 kg | 129 / 183 lb 58.5 / 83 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 60 / 78 lb 27.2 / 35.4 kg | 83 / 108 lb 37.6 / 49 kg | 105 / 147 lb 47.6 / 66.7 kg | 135 / 192 lb 61.2 / 87.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 63 / 81 lb 28.6 / 36.7 kg | 87 / 113 lb 39.5 / 51.3 kg | 110 / 153 lb 49.9 / 69.4 kg | 141 / 200 lb 64 / 90.7 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 65 / 85 lb 29.5 / 38.6 kg | 90 / 117 lb 40.8 / 53.1 kg | 114 / 160 lb 51.7 / 72.6 kg | 147 / 209 lb 66.7 / 94.8 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 68 / 88 lb 30.8 / 39.9 kg | 94 / 122 lb 42.6 / 55.3 kg | 119 / 166 lb 54 / 75.3 kg | 152 / 217 lb 68.9 / 98.4 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 70 / 91 lb 31.8 / 41.3 kg | 97 / 126 lb 44 / 57.2 kg | 123 / 172 lb 55.8 / 78 kg | 158 / 225 lb 71.7 / 102.1 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 73 / 94 lb 33.1 / 42.6 kg | 101 / 131 lb 45.8 / 59.4 kg | 127 / 178 lb 57.6 / 80.7 kg | 164 / 233 lb 74.4 / 105.7 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 75 / 98 lb 34 / 44.5 kg | 104 / 135 lb 47.2 / 61.2 kg | 131 / 184 lb 59.4 / 83.5 kg | 169 / 240 lb 76.7 / 108.9 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 77 / 101 lb 34.9 / 45.8 kg | 107 / 139 lb 48.5 / 63 kg | 136 / 190 lb 61.7 / 86.2 kg | 174 / 248 lb 78.9 / 112.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 80 / 104 lb 36.3 / 47.2 kg | 110 / 144 lb 49.9 / 65.3 kg | 140 / 195 lb 63.5 / 88.5 kg | 180 / 255 lb 81.6 / 115.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 82 / 107 lb 37.2 / 48.5 kg | 114 / 148 lb 51.7 / 67.1 kg | 144 / 201 lb 65.3 / 91.2 kg | 185 / 263 lb 83.9 / 119.3 kg |
How Your Incline Bench Press vs Machine Chest 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 incline bench press strength level
The incline bench press standards use the sex-specific standards from the individual incline bench 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 lift more total weight without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the machine chest press strength level
The machine chest press standards use the sex-specific standards from the individual Chest Press Machine 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 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 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 incline bench press | Adjust incline bench press targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the machine chest press | Adjust machine chest 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 Incline Bench Press and Machine Chest 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 machine chest press standard is higher; below zero means the incline bench press 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.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
25.4 → 46.8 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the machine chest press standard minus the incline bench press standard. A plus sign means the machine chest press standard is higher. A minus sign means the incline bench press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg | +56 lb +25.4 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg | +59 lb +26.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +36 lb +16.3 kg | +62 lb +28.1 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +37 lb +16.7 kg | +65 lb +29.5 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +40 lb +18.1 kg | +68 lb +30.8 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +41 lb +18.6 kg | +71 lb +32.2 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +42 lb +19 kg | +74 lb +33.5 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +44 lb +20 kg | +76 lb +34.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +45 lb +20.5 kg | +78 lb +35.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +47 lb +21.3 kg | +81 lb +36.8 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg | +84 lb +38.1 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +50 lb +22.7 kg | +87 lb +39.4 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +52 lb +23.5 kg | +88 lb +39.9 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +29 lb +13.2 kg | +53 lb +24 kg | +92 lb +41.8 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +54 lb +24.5 kg | +94 lb +42.7 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +56 lb +25.4 kg | +96 lb +43.5 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +31 lb +14.1 kg | +57 lb +25.9 kg | +99 lb +44.9 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg | +59 lb +26.7 kg | +101 lb +45.8 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg | +33 lb +15 kg | +60 lb +27.2 kg | +103 lb +46.8 kg |
How Women’s Incline Bench Press and Machine Chest Press Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
20 → 35.4 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the machine chest press standard minus the incline bench press standard. A plus sign means the machine chest press standard is higher. A minus sign means the incline bench press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg | +44 lb +20 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +35 lb +15.8 kg | +46 lb +20.9 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +39 lb +17.7 kg | +52 lb +23.6 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +40 lb +18.1 kg | +54 lb +24.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +42 lb +19.1 kg | +57 lb +25.9 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +43 lb +19.5 kg | +59 lb +26.7 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +46 lb +20.9 kg | +62 lb +28.1 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +47 lb +21.3 kg | +65 lb +29.5 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +29 lb +13.2 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg | +67 lb +30.4 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +51 lb +23.1 kg | +69 lb +31.3 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +31 lb +14 kg | +53 lb +24.1 kg | +71 lb +32.2 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg | +54 lb +24.5 kg | +74 lb +33.6 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg | +55 lb +25 kg | +75 lb +34.1 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg | +57 lb +25.9 kg | +78 lb +35.4 kg |
Incline Bench Press and Machine Chest Press Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a barbell incline bench press and a selectorized chest press machine set. Do not substitute a flat or decline barbell press, dumbbell incline press, Smith-machine press, plate-loaded or iso-lateral chest press, incline machine press, partial rep, or another pressing setup. Different angles, paths, and resistance systems can change the comparison enough to point to the wrong priority.
Use a raw 30–45 degree barbell incline bench press
Lower the bar to the upper chest or clavicle with the feet planted and shoulders against the bench, then press to full elbow lockout. Do not enter a flat press, dumbbell press, Smith-machine press, machine press, partial rep, or equipped lift.
Use a selectorized horizontal chest press
Set the seat so the handles align near mid-chest. Keep the torso and head against the pad and feet planted, lower both handles under control to chest-depth equivalent, and press to full elbow extension. Do not enter a plate-loaded, iso-lateral, Smith-machine, incline, decline, or partial press.
Enter one recent incline bench press set and one recent machine chest press set
For the incline press, enter total barbell weight. For the machine press, enter the displayed resistance from the same selectorized machine you normally use. Enter a whole number from 1 to 12 reps for each. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Use clean, difficult sets that meet the exercise definitions shown on this page.
Related Tools
- Barbell Incline Bench Press — View the individual Incline Bench Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Chest Press Machine — View the individual Machine Chest Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Dumbbell Incline Bench Press — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Machine Incline Chest Press — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.