Dumbbell Thrusters vs Barbell Push Press Strength Standards
Compare your dumbbell thrusters and push 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.
Enter the canonical working weight and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Use a strict, repeatable dumbbell thrusters test using the canonical setup, range, and finish rules and Barbell starts in the front rack position at the shoulders.. 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.
Dumbbell Thrusters vs Push Press Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the dumbbell thrusters and push 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 dumbbell thrusters and push 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 Dumbbell Thrusters / Push 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 Dumbbell Thrusters vs Push Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Dumbbell Thrusters; the second is Push 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 | 77 / 91 lb 34.9 / 41.3 kg | 112 / 107 lb 50.8 / 48.5 kg | 154 / 126 lb 69.9 / 57.2 kg | 196 / 158 lb 88.9 / 71.7 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 82 / 96 lb 37.2 / 43.5 kg | 118 / 113 lb 53.5 / 51.3 kg | 162 / 133 lb 73.5 / 60.3 kg | 207 / 167 lb 93.9 / 75.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 86 / 101 lb 39 / 45.8 kg | 124 / 119 lb 56.2 / 54 kg | 171 / 140 lb 77.6 / 63.5 kg | 217 / 175 lb 98.4 / 79.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 90 / 106 lb 40.8 / 48.1 kg | 130 / 125 lb 59 / 56.7 kg | 179 / 146 lb 81.2 / 66.2 kg | 227 / 184 lb 103 / 83.5 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 94 / 111 lb 42.6 / 50.3 kg | 136 / 130 lb 61.7 / 59 kg | 186 / 152 lb 84.4 / 68.9 kg | 237 / 192 lb 107.5 / 87.1 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 97 / 115 lb 44 / 52.2 kg | 141 / 136 lb 64 / 61.7 kg | 194 / 159 lb 88 / 72.1 kg | 247 / 200 lb 112 / 90.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 101 / 120 lb 45.8 / 54.4 kg | 147 / 141 lb 66.7 / 64 kg | 202 / 165 lb 91.6 / 74.8 kg | 257 / 207 lb 116.6 / 93.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 105 / 124 lb 47.6 / 56.2 kg | 152 / 146 lb 68.9 / 66.2 kg | 209 / 171 lb 94.8 / 77.6 kg | 266 / 215 lb 120.7 / 97.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 109 / 128 lb 49.4 / 58.1 kg | 157 / 151 lb 71.2 / 68.5 kg | 216 / 177 lb 98 / 80.3 kg | 275 / 222 lb 124.7 / 100.7 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 112 / 133 lb 50.8 / 60.3 kg | 162 / 156 lb 73.5 / 70.8 kg | 223 / 183 lb 101.2 / 83 kg | 284 / 230 lb 128.8 / 104.3 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 116 / 137 lb 52.6 / 62.1 kg | 168 / 161 lb 76.2 / 73 kg | 230 / 189 lb 104.3 / 85.7 kg | 293 / 237 lb 132.9 / 107.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 119 / 141 lb 54 / 64 kg | 173 / 166 lb 78.5 / 75.3 kg | 237 / 194 lb 107.5 / 88 kg | 302 / 244 lb 137 / 110.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 123 / 145 lb 55.8 / 65.8 kg | 178 / 171 lb 80.7 / 77.6 kg | 244 / 200 lb 110.7 / 90.7 kg | 311 / 251 lb 141.1 / 113.9 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 126 / 149 lb 57.2 / 67.6 kg | 183 / 175 lb 83 / 79.4 kg | 251 / 205 lb 113.9 / 93 kg | 319 / 258 lb 144.7 / 117 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 129 / 153 lb 58.5 / 69.4 kg | 187 / 180 lb 84.8 / 81.6 kg | 258 / 211 lb 117 / 95.7 kg | 328 / 265 lb 148.8 / 120.2 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 133 / 157 lb 60.3 / 71.2 kg | 192 / 185 lb 87.1 / 83.9 kg | 264 / 216 lb 119.7 / 98 kg | 336 / 272 lb 152.4 / 123.4 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 136 / 161 lb 61.7 / 73 kg | 197 / 189 lb 89.4 / 85.7 kg | 271 / 221 lb 122.9 / 100.2 kg | 344 / 278 lb 156 / 126.1 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 139 / 164 lb 63 / 74.4 kg | 201 / 194 lb 91.2 / 88 kg | 277 / 227 lb 125.6 / 103 kg | 353 / 285 lb 160.1 / 129.3 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 142 / 168 lb 64.4 / 76.2 kg | 206 / 198 lb 93.4 / 89.8 kg | 283 / 232 lb 128.4 / 105.2 kg | 361 / 292 lb 163.7 / 132.4 kg |
Women’s Dumbbell Thrusters vs Push Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Dumbbell Thrusters; the second is Push 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 / 43 lb 20.9 / 19.5 kg | 63 / 54 lb 28.6 / 24.5 kg | 86 / 66 lb 39 / 29.9 kg | 114 / 87 lb 51.7 / 39.5 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 49 / 46 lb 22.2 / 20.9 kg | 67 / 58 lb 30.4 / 26.3 kg | 92 / 71 lb 41.7 / 32.2 kg | 122 / 93 lb 55.3 / 42.2 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 52 / 49 lb 23.6 / 22.2 kg | 72 / 61 lb 32.7 / 27.7 kg | 97 / 75 lb 44 / 34 kg | 129 / 98 lb 58.5 / 44.5 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 55 / 52 lb 24.9 / 23.6 kg | 75 / 65 lb 34 / 29.5 kg | 103 / 79 lb 46.7 / 35.8 kg | 136 / 104 lb 61.7 / 47.2 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 57 / 54 lb 25.9 / 24.5 kg | 79 / 68 lb 35.8 / 30.8 kg | 108 / 83 lb 49 / 37.6 kg | 143 / 109 lb 64.9 / 49.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 60 / 57 lb 27.2 / 25.9 kg | 83 / 71 lb 37.6 / 32.2 kg | 113 / 87 lb 51.3 / 39.5 kg | 150 / 114 lb 68 / 51.7 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 63 / 60 lb 28.6 / 27.2 kg | 87 / 74 lb 39.5 / 33.6 kg | 118 / 91 lb 53.5 / 41.3 kg | 157 / 119 lb 71.2 / 54 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 65 / 62 lb 29.5 / 28.1 kg | 90 / 77 lb 40.8 / 34.9 kg | 123 / 95 lb 55.8 / 43.1 kg | 163 / 124 lb 73.9 / 56.2 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 68 / 64 lb 30.8 / 29 kg | 94 / 80 lb 42.6 / 36.3 kg | 128 / 98 lb 58.1 / 44.5 kg | 169 / 129 lb 76.7 / 58.5 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 70 / 67 lb 31.8 / 30.4 kg | 97 / 83 lb 44 / 37.6 kg | 132 / 102 lb 59.9 / 46.3 kg | 176 / 133 lb 79.8 / 60.3 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 73 / 69 lb 33.1 / 31.3 kg | 101 / 86 lb 45.8 / 39 kg | 137 / 105 lb 62.1 / 47.6 kg | 182 / 138 lb 82.6 / 62.6 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 75 / 71 lb 34 / 32.2 kg | 104 / 89 lb 47.2 / 40.4 kg | 141 / 109 lb 64 / 49.4 kg | 188 / 143 lb 85.3 / 64.9 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 77 / 74 lb 34.9 / 33.6 kg | 107 / 92 lb 48.5 / 41.7 kg | 146 / 112 lb 66.2 / 50.8 kg | 194 / 147 lb 88 / 66.7 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 80 / 76 lb 36.3 / 34.5 kg | 110 / 94 lb 49.9 / 42.6 kg | 150 / 116 lb 68 / 52.6 kg | 199 / 152 lb 90.3 / 68.9 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 82 / 78 lb 37.2 / 35.4 kg | 114 / 97 lb 51.7 / 44 kg | 155 / 119 lb 70.3 / 54 kg | 205 / 156 lb 93 / 70.8 kg |
How Your Dumbbell Thrusters vs Push 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 dumbbell thrusters strength level
The standards use the sex-specific targets from the individual Dumbbell Thrusters 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 push press strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Push 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.
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 dumbbell thrusters | Adjust dumbbell thrusters targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the push press | Use the canonical estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the approved 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 Dumbbell Thrusters and Push 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 push press standard is higher; below zero means the dumbbell thrusters 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 at every displayed bodyweight.
17.2 → 31.3 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the push press standard minus the dumbbell thrusters standard. A plus sign means the push press standard is higher. A minus sign means the dumbbell thrusters standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg | −38 lb −17.2 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | −29 lb −13.2 kg | −40 lb −18.2 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | −31 lb −14.1 kg | −42 lb −19 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −33 lb −15 kg | −43 lb −19.5 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −34 lb −15.5 kg | −45 lb −20.4 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −35 lb −15.9 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −37 lb −16.8 kg | −50 lb −22.7 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −38 lb −17.2 kg | −51 lb −23.2 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +19 lb +8.7 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −39 lb −17.7 kg | −53 lb −24 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −40 lb −18.2 kg | −54 lb −24.5 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −41 lb −18.6 kg | −56 lb −25.4 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −43 lb −19.5 kg | −58 lb −26.3 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | −7 lb −3.1 kg | −44 lb −20 kg | −60 lb −27.2 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −46 lb −20.9 kg | −61 lb −27.7 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg | −63 lb −28.6 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −48 lb −21.7 kg | −64 lb −29 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | −8 lb −3.7 kg | −50 lb −22.7 kg | −66 lb −29.9 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −50 lb −22.6 kg | −68 lb −30.8 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −51 lb −23.2 kg | −69 lb −31.3 kg |
How Women’s Dumbbell Thrusters and Push Press Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The dumbbell thrusters and push press standards are within 3 lb at 100 lb, 110 lb, 120 lb, 130 lb, 140 lb, 150 lb, 160 lb, 170 lb, 190 lb, and 220 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
12.2 → 22.2 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the push press standard minus the dumbbell thrusters standard. A plus sign means the push press standard is higher. A minus sign means the dumbbell thrusters standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −20 lb −9.1 kg | −27 lb −12.2 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −21 lb −9.5 kg | −29 lb −13.1 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −22 lb −10 kg | −31 lb −14 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −24 lb −10.9 kg | −32 lb −14.5 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −25 lb −11.4 kg | −34 lb −15.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −12 lb −5.4 kg | −26 lb −11.8 kg | −36 lb −16.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −13 lb −5.9 kg | −27 lb −12.2 kg | −38 lb −17.2 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −13 lb −5.9 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg | −39 lb −17.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −14 lb −6.3 kg | −30 lb −13.6 kg | −40 lb −18.2 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −14 lb −6.4 kg | −30 lb −13.6 kg | −43 lb −19.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −32 lb −14.5 kg | −44 lb −20 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −32 lb −14.6 kg | −45 lb −20.4 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −47 lb −21.4 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −17 lb −7.7 kg | −36 lb −16.3 kg | −49 lb −22.2 kg |
Dumbbell Thrusters and Push Press Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict dumbbell thrusters and a strict push press test. Use strict canonical Dumbbell Thrusters and Push Press tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use a strict, repeatable Dumbbell Thrusters
Follow the individual Dumbbell Thrusters calculator’s canonical setup, load convention, range of motion, and finish rules. Keep the same setup when retesting.
Use the canonical Push Press setup and load convention
Barbell starts in the front rack position at the shoulders. A controlled dip is performed using the legs and hips before driving the bar upward. Leg drive initiates the bar path and the arms finish the lockout overhead. Each rep counts only when the bar is fully locked out overhead with elbows fully extended. The bar must remain under control throughout the full range of motion. Dip depth and technique must stay consistent across tests. Raw lifting only. Allowed equipment: barbell, rack, belt (optional), wrist wraps (optional), lifting shoes (optional). Excluded variations: strict overhead press (no leg drive), push jerk, split jerk, partial lockout reps, Smith machine pressing, and machine shoulder press variations. Estimated 1RM is calculated from the entered load and reps.
Enter one recent Dumbbell Thrusters result and one recent Push Press result
Enter the canonical working weight and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed.
Related Tools
- Dumbbell Thrusters — View the individual Dumbbell Thrusters standards and next strength-level target.
- Barbell Push Press — View the individual Push Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Arnold Press — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Clean And Jerk — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Push Jerk — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Split Jerk — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.