Bradford Press vs Arnold Press Strength Standards
Compare your bradford press and arnold 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.
Use each exercise's canonical input: Weight used for Bradford Press and Weight per dumbbell for Arnold Press. Use the total barbell load moved front-to-back-to-front and a strict, repeatable arnold press set that follows the canonical setup, range, and lockout rules. 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.
Bradford Press vs Arnold Press Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the bradford press and arnold 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 bradford press and arnold 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 Bradford Press / Arnold 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 Bradford Press vs Arnold Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Bradford Press; the second is Arnold 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 | 31 / 38 lb 14.1 / 17.2 kg | 45 / 50 lb 20.4 / 22.7 kg | 63 / 64 lb 28.6 / 29 kg | 81 / 87 lb 36.7 / 39.5 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 33 / 40 lb 15 / 18.1 kg | 47 / 53 lb 21.3 / 24 kg | 67 / 68 lb 30.4 / 30.8 kg | 85 / 92 lb 38.6 / 41.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 34 / 42 lb 15.4 / 19.1 kg | 50 / 55 lb 22.7 / 24.9 kg | 70 / 71 lb 31.8 / 32.2 kg | 90 / 96 lb 40.8 / 43.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 36 / 44 lb 16.3 / 20 kg | 52 / 58 lb 23.6 / 26.3 kg | 73 / 74 lb 33.1 / 33.6 kg | 94 / 101 lb 42.6 / 45.8 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 37 / 45 lb 16.8 / 20.4 kg | 54 / 61 lb 24.5 / 27.7 kg | 77 / 78 lb 34.9 / 35.4 kg | 98 / 105 lb 44.5 / 47.6 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 39 / 47 lb 17.7 / 21.3 kg | 57 / 63 lb 25.9 / 28.6 kg | 80 / 81 lb 36.3 / 36.7 kg | 102 / 110 lb 46.3 / 49.9 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 41 / 49 lb 18.6 / 22.2 kg | 59 / 66 lb 26.8 / 29.9 kg | 83 / 84 lb 37.6 / 38.1 kg | 106 / 114 lb 48.1 / 51.7 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 42 / 51 lb 19.1 / 23.1 kg | 61 / 68 lb 27.7 / 30.8 kg | 86 / 87 lb 39 / 39.5 kg | 110 / 118 lb 49.9 / 53.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 43 / 53 lb 19.5 / 24 kg | 63 / 70 lb 28.6 / 31.8 kg | 89 / 90 lb 40.4 / 40.8 kg | 114 / 122 lb 51.7 / 55.3 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 45 / 55 lb 20.4 / 24.9 kg | 65 / 73 lb 29.5 / 33.1 kg | 92 / 93 lb 41.7 / 42.2 kg | 118 / 126 lb 53.5 / 57.2 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 46 / 56 lb 20.9 / 25.4 kg | 67 / 75 lb 30.4 / 34 kg | 95 / 96 lb 43.1 / 43.5 kg | 121 / 130 lb 54.9 / 59 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 48 / 58 lb 21.8 / 26.3 kg | 69 / 77 lb 31.3 / 34.9 kg | 98 / 99 lb 44.5 / 44.9 kg | 125 / 134 lb 56.7 / 60.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 49 / 60 lb 22.2 / 27.2 kg | 71 / 79 lb 32.2 / 35.8 kg | 100 / 102 lb 45.4 / 46.3 kg | 129 / 138 lb 58.5 / 62.6 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 50 / 61 lb 22.7 / 27.7 kg | 73 / 82 lb 33.1 / 37.2 kg | 103 / 104 lb 46.7 / 47.2 kg | 132 / 142 lb 59.9 / 64.4 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 52 / 63 lb 23.6 / 28.6 kg | 75 / 84 lb 34 / 38.1 kg | 106 / 107 lb 48.1 / 48.5 kg | 136 / 145 lb 61.7 / 65.8 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 53 / 64 lb 24 / 29 kg | 77 / 86 lb 34.9 / 39 kg | 109 / 110 lb 49.4 / 49.9 kg | 139 / 149 lb 63 / 67.6 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 54 / 66 lb 24.5 / 29.9 kg | 79 / 88 lb 35.8 / 39.9 kg | 111 / 113 lb 50.3 / 51.3 kg | 142 / 153 lb 64.4 / 69.4 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 56 / 68 lb 25.4 / 30.8 kg | 81 / 90 lb 36.7 / 40.8 kg | 114 / 115 lb 51.7 / 52.2 kg | 146 / 156 lb 66.2 / 70.8 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 57 / 69 lb 25.9 / 31.3 kg | 83 / 92 lb 37.6 / 41.7 kg | 117 / 118 lb 53.1 / 53.5 kg | 149 / 160 lb 67.6 / 72.6 kg |
Women’s Bradford Press vs Arnold Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Bradford Press; the second is Arnold 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 | 16 / 16 lb 7.3 / 7.3 kg | 25 / 25 lb 11.3 / 11.3 kg | 37 / 32 lb 16.8 / 14.5 kg | 48 / 46 lb 21.8 / 20.9 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 17 / 17 lb 7.7 / 7.7 kg | 27 / 27 lb 12.2 / 12.2 kg | 39 / 34 lb 17.7 / 15.4 kg | 51 / 49 lb 23.1 / 22.2 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 18 / 18 lb 8.2 / 8.2 kg | 28 / 28 lb 12.7 / 12.7 kg | 41 / 36 lb 18.6 / 16.3 kg | 54 / 52 lb 24.5 / 23.6 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 19 / 19 lb 8.6 / 8.6 kg | 30 / 30 lb 13.6 / 13.6 kg | 44 / 38 lb 20 / 17.2 kg | 57 / 55 lb 25.9 / 24.9 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 20 / 20 lb 9.1 / 9.1 kg | 32 / 32 lb 14.5 / 14.5 kg | 46 / 40 lb 20.9 / 18.1 kg | 60 / 57 lb 27.2 / 25.9 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 21 / 21 lb 9.5 / 9.5 kg | 33 / 33 lb 15 / 15 kg | 48 / 42 lb 21.8 / 19.1 kg | 63 / 60 lb 28.6 / 27.2 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 22 / 22 lb 10 / 10 kg | 34 / 34 lb 15.4 / 15.4 kg | 50 / 44 lb 22.7 / 20 kg | 66 / 63 lb 29.9 / 28.6 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 23 / 23 lb 10.4 / 10.4 kg | 36 / 36 lb 16.3 / 16.3 kg | 52 / 46 lb 23.6 / 20.9 kg | 68 / 65 lb 30.8 / 29.5 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 24 / 24 lb 10.9 / 10.9 kg | 37 / 37 lb 16.8 / 16.8 kg | 54 / 47 lb 24.5 / 21.3 kg | 71 / 68 lb 32.2 / 30.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 25 / 25 lb 11.3 / 11.3 kg | 39 / 39 lb 17.7 / 17.7 kg | 56 / 49 lb 25.4 / 22.2 kg | 74 / 70 lb 33.6 / 31.8 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 25 / 25 lb 11.3 / 11.3 kg | 40 / 40 lb 18.1 / 18.1 kg | 58 / 51 lb 26.3 / 23.1 kg | 76 / 73 lb 34.5 / 33.1 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 26 / 26 lb 11.8 / 11.8 kg | 41 / 41 lb 18.6 / 18.6 kg | 60 / 53 lb 27.2 / 24 kg | 79 / 75 lb 35.8 / 34 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 27 / 27 lb 12.2 / 12.2 kg | 43 / 43 lb 19.5 / 19.5 kg | 62 / 54 lb 28.1 / 24.5 kg | 81 / 77 lb 36.7 / 34.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 28 / 28 lb 12.7 / 12.7 kg | 44 / 44 lb 20 / 20 kg | 64 / 56 lb 29 / 25.4 kg | 84 / 80 lb 38.1 / 36.3 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 29 / 29 lb 13.2 / 13.2 kg | 45 / 45 lb 20.4 / 20.4 kg | 66 / 57 lb 29.9 / 25.9 kg | 86 / 82 lb 39 / 37.2 kg |
How Your Bradford Press vs Arnold 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 bradford press strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Bradford 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 larger lifters are expected to lift more without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the arnold press strength level
The standards use the sex-specific targets from the individual Arnold 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 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 bradford press | Use the canonical estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the approved two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the arnold press | Adjust arnold 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 Bradford Press and Arnold 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 arnold press standard is higher; below zero means the bradford 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.
2.8 → 5 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the arnold press standard minus the bradford press standard. A plus sign means the arnold press standard is higher. A minus sign means the bradford press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +7 lb +3.1 kg | +5 lb +2.3 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +6 lb +2.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +7 lb +3.1 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +7 lb +3.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +5 lb +2.2 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +1 lb +0.5 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +1 lb +0.5 kg | +7 lb +3.1 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +7 lb +3.1 kg | +1 lb +0.5 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +9 lb +4 kg | +7 lb +3.1 kg | +1 lb +0.5 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +1 lb +0.5 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +1 lb +0.5 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +1 lb +0.5 kg | +10 lb +4.6 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +2 lb +1 kg | +11 lb +5 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +1 lb +0.5 kg | +10 lb +4.6 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +11 lb +5 kg |
How Women’s Bradford Press and Arnold Press Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The bradford press and arnold press standards are within 3 lb at 100 lb, 110 lb, 120 lb, 130 lb, 140 lb, 150 lb, 160 lb, 170 lb, 180 lb, 190 lb, 200 lb, 210 lb, 220 lb, 230 lb, and 240 lb.
Advanced and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
0.9 → 1.8 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the arnold press standard minus the bradford press standard. A plus sign means the arnold press standard is higher. A minus sign means the bradford press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −6 lb −2.8 kg | −2 lb −1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −6 lb −2.8 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | −9 lb −4 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg |
Bradford Press and Arnold Press Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict bradford press test and a strict arnold press. Use strict canonical Bradford Press and Arnold Press tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use the canonical Bradford Press setup and load convention
the total barbell load moved front-to-back-to-front full front-to-back-to-front cycles move the bar from the front of the shoulders to behind the neck and back to the front through a controlled partial overhead arc without leg drive Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set No substituted exercise or assisted reps
Use a strict, repeatable Arnold Press
Strict seated bilateral Arnold Press Enter the weight of one dumbbell, not the combined pair Matched dumbbells move together through every counted rep Start in front of the shoulders or upper chest with palms facing the lifter or mostly inward Press and rotate through a visible Arnold Press path Reach controlled overhead lockout with both elbows extended Enter weight per dumbbell. Keep the same equipment and setup when retesting.
Enter one recent Bradford Press result and one recent Arnold Press result
Use each exercise’s canonical input: Weight used for Bradford Press and Weight per dumbbell for Arnold Press.
Related Tools
- Bradford Press — View the individual Bradford Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Arnold Press — View the individual Arnold Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Standing Dumbbell Overhead Press — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Seated Barbell Overhead Press — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Standing Strict Barbell Overhead Press — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.