Machine Preacher Curl vs Barbell Curl Strength Standards
Compare your machine preacher curl and barbell curl 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.
Use each exercise's canonical input: Displayed machine or stack weight for Machine Preacher Curl and Total barbell weight for Barbell Curl. Use a strict, repeatable machine preacher curl test using the canonical setup, range, and finish rules and a standing barbell curl with a supinated grip, stable torso and upper arms, full controlled bottom range, and a clear top curl. 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.
Machine Preacher Curl vs Barbell Curl Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the machine preacher curl and barbell curl to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your machine preacher curl and barbell curl.
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 Machine Preacher Curl / Barbell Curl, 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 Machine Preacher Curl vs Barbell Curl Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Machine Preacher Curl; the second is Barbell Curl. 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 | 34 / 42 lb 15.4 / 19.1 kg | 52 / 63 lb 23.6 / 28.6 kg | 76 / 91 lb 34.5 / 41.3 kg | 101 / 119 lb 45.8 / 54 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 36 / 44 lb 16.3 / 20 kg | 54 / 67 lb 24.5 / 30.4 kg | 80 / 96 lb 36.3 / 43.5 kg | 106 / 126 lb 48.1 / 57.2 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 38 / 47 lb 17.2 / 21.3 kg | 57 / 70 lb 25.9 / 31.8 kg | 84 / 101 lb 38.1 / 45.8 kg | 112 / 132 lb 50.8 / 59.9 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 39 / 49 lb 17.7 / 22.2 kg | 60 / 73 lb 27.2 / 33.1 kg | 88 / 106 lb 39.9 / 48.1 kg | 117 / 138 lb 53.1 / 62.6 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 41 / 51 lb 18.6 / 23.1 kg | 62 / 77 lb 28.1 / 34.9 kg | 92 / 111 lb 41.7 / 50.3 kg | 122 / 144 lb 55.3 / 65.3 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 43 / 53 lb 19.5 / 24 kg | 65 / 80 lb 29.5 / 36.3 kg | 96 / 115 lb 43.5 / 52.2 kg | 127 / 150 lb 57.6 / 68 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 44 / 55 lb 20 / 24.9 kg | 68 / 83 lb 30.8 / 37.6 kg | 99 / 120 lb 44.9 / 54.4 kg | 132 / 156 lb 59.9 / 70.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 46 / 57 lb 20.9 / 25.9 kg | 70 / 86 lb 31.8 / 39 kg | 103 / 124 lb 46.7 / 56.2 kg | 137 / 162 lb 62.1 / 73.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 48 / 59 lb 21.8 / 26.8 kg | 72 / 89 lb 32.7 / 40.4 kg | 107 / 128 lb 48.5 / 58.1 kg | 142 / 168 lb 64.4 / 76.2 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 49 / 61 lb 22.2 / 27.7 kg | 75 / 92 lb 34 / 41.7 kg | 110 / 133 lb 49.9 / 60.3 kg | 146 / 173 lb 66.2 / 78.5 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 51 / 63 lb 23.1 / 28.6 kg | 77 / 95 lb 34.9 / 43.1 kg | 114 / 137 lb 51.7 / 62.1 kg | 151 / 179 lb 68.5 / 81.2 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 52 / 65 lb 23.6 / 29.5 kg | 80 / 98 lb 36.3 / 44.5 kg | 117 / 141 lb 53.1 / 64 kg | 156 / 184 lb 70.8 / 83.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 54 / 67 lb 24.5 / 30.4 kg | 82 / 100 lb 37.2 / 45.4 kg | 120 / 145 lb 54.4 / 65.8 kg | 160 / 189 lb 72.6 / 85.7 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 55 / 68 lb 24.9 / 30.8 kg | 84 / 103 lb 38.1 / 46.7 kg | 124 / 149 lb 56.2 / 67.6 kg | 165 / 195 lb 74.8 / 88.5 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 57 / 70 lb 25.9 / 31.8 kg | 86 / 106 lb 39 / 48.1 kg | 127 / 153 lb 57.6 / 69.4 kg | 169 / 200 lb 76.7 / 90.7 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 58 / 72 lb 26.3 / 32.7 kg | 88 / 109 lb 39.9 / 49.4 kg | 130 / 157 lb 59 / 71.2 kg | 173 / 205 lb 78.5 / 93 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 60 / 74 lb 27.2 / 33.6 kg | 91 / 111 lb 41.3 / 50.3 kg | 133 / 161 lb 60.3 / 73 kg | 177 / 210 lb 80.3 / 95.3 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 61 / 76 lb 27.7 / 34.5 kg | 93 / 114 lb 42.2 / 51.7 kg | 137 / 164 lb 62.1 / 74.4 kg | 182 / 215 lb 82.6 / 97.5 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 62 / 77 lb 28.1 / 34.9 kg | 95 / 117 lb 43.1 / 53.1 kg | 140 / 168 lb 63.5 / 76.2 kg | 186 / 220 lb 84.4 / 99.8 kg |
Women’s Machine Preacher Curl vs Barbell Curl Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Machine Preacher Curl; the second is Barbell Curl. 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 | 18 / 23 lb 8.2 / 10.4 kg | 32 / 40 lb 14.5 / 18.1 kg | 48 / 57 lb 21.8 / 25.9 kg | 66 / 80 lb 29.9 / 36.3 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 20 / 24 lb 9.1 / 10.9 kg | 34 / 43 lb 15.4 / 19.5 kg | 51 / 61 lb 23.1 / 27.7 kg | 71 / 85 lb 32.2 / 38.6 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 21 / 26 lb 9.5 / 11.8 kg | 36 / 46 lb 16.3 / 20.9 kg | 54 / 65 lb 24.5 / 29.5 kg | 75 / 90 lb 34 / 40.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 22 / 27 lb 10 / 12.2 kg | 38 / 48 lb 17.2 / 21.8 kg | 57 / 68 lb 25.9 / 30.8 kg | 79 / 95 lb 35.8 / 43.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 23 / 29 lb 10.4 / 13.2 kg | 40 / 51 lb 18.1 / 23.1 kg | 60 / 72 lb 27.2 / 32.7 kg | 83 / 100 lb 37.6 / 45.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 24 / 30 lb 10.9 / 13.6 kg | 42 / 53 lb 19.1 / 24 kg | 63 / 75 lb 28.6 / 34 kg | 87 / 105 lb 39.5 / 47.6 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 25 / 31 lb 11.3 / 14.1 kg | 44 / 55 lb 20 / 24.9 kg | 66 / 78 lb 29.9 / 35.4 kg | 91 / 110 lb 41.3 / 49.9 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 26 / 33 lb 11.8 / 15 kg | 46 / 58 lb 20.9 / 26.3 kg | 68 / 82 lb 30.8 / 37.2 kg | 95 / 114 lb 43.1 / 51.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 27 / 34 lb 12.2 / 15.4 kg | 47 / 60 lb 21.3 / 27.2 kg | 71 / 85 lb 32.2 / 38.6 kg | 98 / 119 lb 44.5 / 54 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 28 / 35 lb 12.7 / 15.9 kg | 49 / 62 lb 22.2 / 28.1 kg | 74 / 88 lb 33.6 / 39.9 kg | 102 / 123 lb 46.3 / 55.8 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 29 / 36 lb 13.2 / 16.3 kg | 51 / 64 lb 23.1 / 29 kg | 76 / 91 lb 34.5 / 41.3 kg | 105 / 127 lb 47.6 / 57.6 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 30 / 38 lb 13.6 / 17.2 kg | 53 / 66 lb 24 / 29.9 kg | 79 / 94 lb 35.8 / 42.6 kg | 109 / 131 lb 49.4 / 59.4 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 31 / 39 lb 14.1 / 17.7 kg | 54 / 68 lb 24.5 / 30.8 kg | 81 / 97 lb 36.7 / 44 kg | 112 / 136 lb 50.8 / 61.7 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 32 / 40 lb 14.5 / 18.1 kg | 56 / 70 lb 25.4 / 31.8 kg | 84 / 100 lb 38.1 / 45.4 kg | 116 / 140 lb 52.6 / 63.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 33 / 41 lb 15 / 18.6 kg | 57 / 73 lb 25.9 / 33.1 kg | 86 / 103 lb 39 / 46.7 kg | 119 / 144 lb 54 / 65.3 kg |
How Your Machine Preacher Curl vs Barbell Curl 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 machine preacher curl strength level
The standards use the sex-specific targets from the individual Machine Preacher 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 barbell curl strength level
The standards use the sex-specific strict barbell curl thresholds 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 larger lifters are expected to curl more total barbell 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 machine preacher curl | Adjust machine preacher curl targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the barbell curl | Use total-barbell estimated max and adjust 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 Machine Preacher Curl and Barbell Curl 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 barbell curl standard is higher; below zero means the machine preacher 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.
8.2 → 15.4 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the barbell curl standard minus the machine preacher curl standard. A plus sign means the barbell curl standard is higher. A minus sign means the machine preacher curl standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +22 lb +10 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +19 lb +8.7 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +30 lb +13.7 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +31 lb +14 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +20 lb +9 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +33 lb +15 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +33 lb +14.9 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg |
How Women’s Machine Preacher Curl and Barbell Curl Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 110 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
6.4 → 11.3 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the barbell curl standard minus the machine preacher curl standard. A plus sign means the barbell curl standard is higher. A minus sign means the machine preacher curl standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | +5 lb +2.2 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | +4 lb +1.8 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +10 lb +4.6 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +5 lb +2.3 kg | +10 lb +4.6 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +5 lb +2.2 kg | +10 lb +4.6 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +6 lb +2.8 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +17 lb +7.8 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +6 lb +2.8 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +7 lb +3.1 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +22 lb +10 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +22 lb +10 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg |
Machine Preacher Curl and Barbell Curl Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict machine preacher curl and a strict standing barbell curl. Use strict canonical Machine Preacher Curl and Barbell Curl tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use a strict, repeatable Machine Preacher Curl
Follow the individual Machine Preacher Curl calculator’s canonical setup, load convention, range of motion, and finish rules. Keep the same setup when retesting.
Use total barbell load without body English
Enter the bar plus all plates. Keep the torso and upper arms stable, curl with a supinated grip to a clear controlled top, and lower through the same full range. Do not enter per-side plates, cheat curls, EZ-bar or reverse curls, preacher curls, partial reps, hip-driven reps, torso-swing reps, or shoulder-heave reps.
Enter one recent Machine Preacher Curl result and one recent Barbell Curl result
Use each exercise’s canonical input: Displayed machine or stack weight for Machine Preacher Curl and Total barbell weight for Barbell Curl.
Related Tools
- Machine Preacher Curl — View the individual Machine Preacher Curl standards and next strength-level target.
- Barbell Curl (Strict) — View the individual Barbell Curl standards and next strength-level target.
- Machine Biceps Curl — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Cable Preacher Curl — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Strict Curl — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Curls — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.