Seated Leg Curl vs Bulgarian Split Squat Strength Standards
Compare your seated leg curl and Bulgarian split squat 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.
Enter the canonical load and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Use a strict, repeatable seated leg curl set that follows the canonical setup, range, and lockout rules and a rear-foot-elevated split squat with the front thigh reaching at least parallel, balance maintained, and the front knee and hip fully extended at the finish. 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.
Seated Leg Curl vs Bulgarian Split Squat Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the seated leg curl and Bulgarian split squat to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your seated leg curl and Bulgarian split squat.
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 Seated Leg Curl / Bulgarian Split Squat, 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 Seated Leg Curl vs Bulgarian Split Squat Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Seated Leg Curl; the second is Bulgarian Split Squat. 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 | 39 / 56 lb 17.7 / 25.4 kg | 64 / 84 lb 29 / 38.1 kg | 95 / 119 lb 43.1 / 54 kg | 126 / 160 lb 57.2 / 72.6 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 41 / 59 lb 18.6 / 26.8 kg | 68 / 89 lb 30.8 / 40.4 kg | 100 / 126 lb 45.4 / 57.2 kg | 133 / 169 lb 60.3 / 76.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 43 / 62 lb 19.5 / 28.1 kg | 71 / 93 lb 32.2 / 42.2 kg | 105 / 132 lb 47.6 / 59.9 kg | 140 / 178 lb 63.5 / 80.7 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 45 / 65 lb 20.4 / 29.5 kg | 74 / 97 lb 33.6 / 44 kg | 110 / 138 lb 49.9 / 62.6 kg | 146 / 186 lb 66.2 / 84.4 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 47 / 68 lb 21.3 / 30.8 kg | 78 / 102 lb 35.4 / 46.3 kg | 115 / 144 lb 52.2 / 65.3 kg | 152 / 194 lb 68.9 / 88 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 49 / 71 lb 22.2 / 32.2 kg | 81 / 106 lb 36.7 / 48.1 kg | 120 / 150 lb 54.4 / 68 kg | 159 / 202 lb 72.1 / 91.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 51 / 73 lb 23.1 / 33.1 kg | 84 / 110 lb 38.1 / 49.9 kg | 124 / 156 lb 56.2 / 70.8 kg | 165 / 210 lb 74.8 / 95.3 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 53 / 76 lb 24 / 34.5 kg | 87 / 114 lb 39.5 / 51.7 kg | 129 / 162 lb 58.5 / 73.5 kg | 171 / 218 lb 77.6 / 98.9 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 55 / 79 lb 24.9 / 35.8 kg | 90 / 118 lb 40.8 / 53.5 kg | 133 / 168 lb 60.3 / 76.2 kg | 177 / 226 lb 80.3 / 102.5 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 57 / 81 lb 25.9 / 36.7 kg | 93 / 122 lb 42.2 / 55.3 kg | 138 / 173 lb 62.6 / 78.5 kg | 183 / 233 lb 83 / 105.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 58 / 84 lb 26.3 / 38.1 kg | 96 / 126 lb 43.5 / 57.2 kg | 142 / 179 lb 64.4 / 81.2 kg | 189 / 240 lb 85.7 / 108.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 60 / 86 lb 27.2 / 39 kg | 99 / 129 lb 44.9 / 58.5 kg | 147 / 184 lb 66.7 / 83.5 kg | 194 / 248 lb 88 / 112.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 62 / 89 lb 28.1 / 40.4 kg | 102 / 133 lb 46.3 / 60.3 kg | 151 / 189 lb 68.5 / 85.7 kg | 200 / 255 lb 90.7 / 115.7 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 64 / 91 lb 29 / 41.3 kg | 104 / 137 lb 47.2 / 62.1 kg | 155 / 195 lb 70.3 / 88.5 kg | 205 / 262 lb 93 / 118.8 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 65 / 94 lb 29.5 / 42.6 kg | 107 / 141 lb 48.5 / 64 kg | 159 / 200 lb 72.1 / 90.7 kg | 211 / 269 lb 95.7 / 122 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 67 / 96 lb 30.4 / 43.5 kg | 110 / 144 lb 49.9 / 65.3 kg | 163 / 205 lb 73.9 / 93 kg | 216 / 276 lb 98 / 125.2 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 69 / 98 lb 31.3 / 44.5 kg | 113 / 148 lb 51.3 / 67.1 kg | 167 / 210 lb 75.7 / 95.3 kg | 221 / 282 lb 100.2 / 127.9 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 70 / 101 lb 31.8 / 45.8 kg | 115 / 151 lb 52.2 / 68.5 kg | 171 / 215 lb 77.6 / 97.5 kg | 227 / 289 lb 103 / 131.1 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 72 / 103 lb 32.7 / 46.7 kg | 118 / 155 lb 53.5 / 70.3 kg | 175 / 220 lb 79.4 / 99.8 kg | 232 / 296 lb 105.2 / 134.3 kg |
Women’s Seated Leg Curl vs Bulgarian Split Squat Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Seated Leg Curl; the second is Bulgarian Split Squat. 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 | 23 / 34 lb 10.4 / 15.4 kg | 39 / 52 lb 17.7 / 23.6 kg | 60 / 75 lb 27.2 / 34 kg | 80 / 103 lb 36.3 / 46.7 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 24 / 37 lb 10.9 / 16.8 kg | 41 / 55 lb 18.6 / 24.9 kg | 63 / 80 lb 28.6 / 36.3 kg | 85 / 110 lb 38.6 / 49.9 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 26 / 39 lb 11.8 / 17.7 kg | 44 / 59 lb 20 / 26.8 kg | 67 / 84 lb 30.4 / 38.1 kg | 90 / 116 lb 40.8 / 52.6 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 27 / 41 lb 12.2 / 18.6 kg | 46 / 62 lb 20.9 / 28.1 kg | 71 / 89 lb 32.2 / 40.4 kg | 95 / 123 lb 43.1 / 55.8 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 29 / 43 lb 13.2 / 19.5 kg | 49 / 65 lb 22.2 / 29.5 kg | 74 / 94 lb 33.6 / 42.6 kg | 100 / 129 lb 45.4 / 58.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 30 / 45 lb 13.6 / 20.4 kg | 51 / 68 lb 23.1 / 30.8 kg | 78 / 98 lb 35.4 / 44.5 kg | 105 / 135 lb 47.6 / 61.2 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 31 / 47 lb 14.1 / 21.3 kg | 53 / 71 lb 24 / 32.2 kg | 81 / 102 lb 36.7 / 46.3 kg | 110 / 141 lb 49.9 / 64 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 33 / 49 lb 15 / 22.2 kg | 55 / 74 lb 24.9 / 33.6 kg | 85 / 107 lb 38.6 / 48.5 kg | 114 / 147 lb 51.7 / 66.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 34 / 51 lb 15.4 / 23.1 kg | 58 / 77 lb 26.3 / 34.9 kg | 88 / 111 lb 39.9 / 50.3 kg | 119 / 152 lb 54 / 68.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 35 / 53 lb 15.9 / 24 kg | 60 / 80 lb 27.2 / 36.3 kg | 91 / 115 lb 41.3 / 52.2 kg | 123 / 158 lb 55.8 / 71.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 36 / 55 lb 16.3 / 24.9 kg | 62 / 82 lb 28.1 / 37.2 kg | 94 / 119 lb 42.6 / 54 kg | 127 / 164 lb 57.6 / 74.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 38 / 56 lb 17.2 / 25.4 kg | 64 / 85 lb 29 / 38.6 kg | 98 / 123 lb 44.5 / 55.8 kg | 131 / 169 lb 59.4 / 76.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 39 / 58 lb 17.7 / 26.3 kg | 66 / 88 lb 29.9 / 39.9 kg | 101 / 127 lb 45.8 / 57.6 kg | 136 / 174 lb 61.7 / 78.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 40 / 60 lb 18.1 / 27.2 kg | 68 / 90 lb 30.8 / 40.8 kg | 104 / 130 lb 47.2 / 59 kg | 140 / 180 lb 63.5 / 81.6 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 41 / 62 lb 18.6 / 28.1 kg | 70 / 93 lb 31.8 / 42.2 kg | 107 / 134 lb 48.5 / 60.8 kg | 144 / 185 lb 65.3 / 83.9 kg |
How Your Seated Leg Curl vs Bulgarian Split Squat 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 seated leg curl strength level
The standards use the sex-specific targets from the individual Seated Leg Curl 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 without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the Bulgarian split squat strength level
The Bulgarian split squat standards use the sex-specific per-leg standards from the individual Bulgarian Split Squat 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 use more external load 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 seated leg curl | Adjust seated leg curl targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the Bulgarian split squat | Adjust per-leg Bulgarian split squat 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 Seated Leg Curl and Bulgarian Split Squat 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 Bulgarian split squat standard is higher; below zero means the seated leg curl 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.
15.4 → 29.1 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the Bulgarian split squat standard minus the seated leg curl standard. A plus sign means the Bulgarian split squat standard is higher. A minus sign means the seated leg curl standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +36 lb +16.4 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +40 lb +18.2 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg | +42 lb +19.1 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +43 lb +19.5 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +32 lb +14.6 kg | +45 lb +20.5 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg | +33 lb +15 kg | +47 lb +21.3 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +24 lb +10.8 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg | +50 lb +22.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +30 lb +13.7 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +51 lb +23.2 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +54 lb +24.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +31 lb +14 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg | +55 lb +25 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +33 lb +14.9 kg | +40 lb +18.2 kg | +57 lb +25.8 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg | +34 lb +15.5 kg | +41 lb +18.6 kg | +58 lb +26.3 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg | +42 lb +19.1 kg | +60 lb +27.2 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | +29 lb +13.2 kg | +35 lb +15.8 kg | +43 lb +19.6 kg | +61 lb +27.7 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | +31 lb +14 kg | +36 lb +16.3 kg | +44 lb +19.9 kg | +62 lb +28.1 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | +31 lb +14 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +45 lb +20.4 kg | +64 lb +29.1 kg |
How Women’s Seated Leg Curl and Bulgarian Split 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.
10.4 → 18.6 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the Bulgarian split squat standard minus the seated leg curl standard. A plus sign means the Bulgarian split squat standard is higher. A minus sign means the seated leg curl standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +20 lb +9 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg | +31 lb +14.1 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +19 lb +8.7 kg | +22 lb +9.9 kg | +33 lb +15 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +33 lb +14.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | +38 lb +17.3 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +40 lb +18.1 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +41 lb +18.6 kg |
Seated Leg Curl and Bulgarian Split Squat Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict seated leg curl and a rear-foot-elevated Bulgarian split squat. Use strict canonical Seated Leg Curl and Bulgarian Split Squat tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use a strict, repeatable Seated Leg Curl
Selected or loaded machine resistance is used Enter total bilateral load, not per-leg load Do not add bodyweight to the entered load Strict seated bilateral machine leg curl Thigh restraint and lower-leg pad stay consistent Back, hips, pelvis, thighs, seat, and pad position stay stable Enter displayed machine or stack weight. Keep the same equipment and setup when retesting.
Use a strict Bulgarian split squat per leg
Keep the rear foot elevated and front foot planted, descend until the front thigh reaches at least parallel, and stand to full front-knee and hip extension without support. Enter combined total external load and score each leg separately. Do not enter bodyweight, a standard split squat, Smith-machine or machine variation, partial rep, or assisted-balance rep.
Enter one recent Seated Leg Curl result and one recent Bulgarian Split Squat result
Enter the canonical load and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed.
Related Tools
- Seated Leg Curl — View the individual Seated Leg Curl standards and next strength-level target.
- Bulgarian Split Squat (Per Leg, Raw) — View the individual Bulgarian Split Squat standards and next strength-level target.
- Leg Extension — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Romanian Deadlift — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Stiff-Leg Deadlift — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Good Morning — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.