Barbell Bent-Over Row vs Barbell Front Squat Strength Standards
Compare your bent-over row and barbell front squat against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Enter one recent set of 1–12 reps for each lift to see estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
First lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms. For the first exercise, bar is pulled to the lower ribs or upper abdomen each rep. For the second exercise, support the bar across the front of the shoulders, descend under control until the hip crease is below the top of the knee. Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Bent Over Row vs Barbell Front Squat Strength Standards
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the barbell bent-over row and barbell front squat to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. The numbers are calculator targets, not a required gap between the two lifts.
Choose the men’s or women’s table, find the closest bodyweight row, and read across to Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Elite. Each entry shows Bent-Over Row / Barbell Front Squat, with pounds above kilograms. Use the calculator for your exact bodyweight and recent sets.
Men’s Bent-Over Row vs Barbell Front Squat Standards
How to read the table: Find the closest bodyweight, then use the labeled exercise row. Every strength-level entry shows one target with pounds first and kilograms beneath it.
| Bodyweight | Exercise | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb54.4 kg | Bent-Over Row | 91 lb41.3 kg | 119 lb54 kg | 160 lb72.6 kg | 203 lb92.1 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 119 lb54 kg | 154 lb69.9 kg | 203 lb92.1 kg | 259 lb117.5 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Bent-Over Row | 96 lb43.5 kg | 126 lb57.2 kg | 169 lb76.7 kg | 214 lb97.1 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 126 lb57.2 kg | 162 lb73.5 kg | 214 lb97.1 kg | 273 lb123.8 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Bent-Over Row | 101 lb45.8 kg | 132 lb59.9 kg | 178 lb80.7 kg | 225 lb102.1 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 132 lb59.9 kg | 171 lb77.6 kg | 225 lb102.1 kg | 287 lb130.2 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Bent-Over Row | 106 lb48.1 kg | 138 lb62.6 kg | 186 lb84.4 kg | 236 lb107 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 138 lb62.6 kg | 179 lb81.2 kg | 236 lb107 kg | 301 lb136.5 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Bent-Over Row | 111 lb50.3 kg | 144 lb65.3 kg | 194 lb88 kg | 246 lb111.6 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 144 lb65.3 kg | 186 lb84.4 kg | 246 lb111.6 kg | 314 lb142.4 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Bent-Over Row | 115 lb52.2 kg | 150 lb68 kg | 202 lb91.6 kg | 256 lb116.1 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 150 lb68 kg | 194 lb88 kg | 256 lb116.1 kg | 327 lb148.3 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Bent-Over Row | 120 lb54.4 kg | 156 lb70.8 kg | 210 lb95.3 kg | 266 lb120.7 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 156 lb70.8 kg | 202 lb91.6 kg | 266 lb120.7 kg | 340 lb154.2 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Bent-Over Row | 124 lb56.2 kg | 162 lb73.5 kg | 218 lb98.9 kg | 276 lb125.2 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 162 lb73.5 kg | 209 lb94.8 kg | 276 lb125.2 kg | 352 lb159.7 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Bent-Over Row | 128 lb58.1 kg | 168 lb76.2 kg | 226 lb102.5 kg | 286 lb129.7 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 168 lb76.2 kg | 216 lb98 kg | 286 lb129.7 kg | 364 lb165.1 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Bent-Over Row | 133 lb60.3 kg | 173 lb78.5 kg | 233 lb105.7 kg | 295 lb133.8 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 173 lb78.5 kg | 223 lb101.2 kg | 295 lb133.8 kg | 376 lb170.6 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Bent-Over Row | 137 lb62.1 kg | 179 lb81.2 kg | 240 lb108.9 kg | 304 lb137.9 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 179 lb81.2 kg | 230 lb104.3 kg | 304 lb137.9 kg | 388 lb176 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Bent-Over Row | 141 lb64 kg | 184 lb83.5 kg | 248 lb112.5 kg | 313 lb142 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 184 lb83.5 kg | 237 lb107.5 kg | 313 lb142 kg | 400 lb181.4 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Bent-Over Row | 145 lb65.8 kg | 189 lb85.7 kg | 255 lb115.7 kg | 323 lb146.5 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 189 lb85.7 kg | 244 lb110.7 kg | 323 lb146.5 kg | 411 lb186.4 kg | |
| 250 lb113.4 kg | Bent-Over Row | 149 lb67.6 kg | 195 lb88.5 kg | 262 lb118.8 kg | 331 lb150.1 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 195 lb88.5 kg | 251 lb113.9 kg | 331 lb150.1 kg | 423 lb191.9 kg | |
| 260 lb117.9 kg | Bent-Over Row | 153 lb69.4 kg | 200 lb90.7 kg | 269 lb122 kg | 340 lb154.2 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 200 lb90.7 kg | 258 lb117 kg | 340 lb154.2 kg | 434 lb196.9 kg | |
| 270 lb122.5 kg | Bent-Over Row | 157 lb71.2 kg | 205 lb93 kg | 276 lb125.2 kg | 349 lb158.3 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 205 lb93 kg | 264 lb119.7 kg | 349 lb158.3 kg | 445 lb201.8 kg | |
| 280 lb127 kg | Bent-Over Row | 161 lb73 kg | 210 lb95.3 kg | 282 lb127.9 kg | 357 lb161.9 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 210 lb95.3 kg | 271 lb122.9 kg | 357 lb161.9 kg | 456 lb206.8 kg | |
| 290 lb131.5 kg | Bent-Over Row | 164 lb74.4 kg | 215 lb97.5 kg | 289 lb131.1 kg | 366 lb166 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 215 lb97.5 kg | 277 lb125.6 kg | 366 lb166 kg | 467 lb211.8 kg | |
| 300 lb136.1 kg | Bent-Over Row | 168 lb76.2 kg | 220 lb99.8 kg | 296 lb134.3 kg | 374 lb169.6 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 220 lb99.8 kg | 283 lb128.4 kg | 374 lb169.6 kg | 477 lb216.4 kg |
Women’s Bent-Over Row vs Barbell Front Squat Standards
How to read the table: Find the closest bodyweight, then use the labeled exercise row. Every strength-level entry shows one target with pounds first and kilograms beneath it.
| Bodyweight | Exercise | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb45.4 kg | Bent-Over Row | 63 lb28.6 kg | 86 lb39 kg | 114 lb51.7 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 86 lb39 kg | 114 lb51.7 kg | 149 lb67.6 kg | 189 lb85.7 kg | |
| 110 lb49.9 kg | Bent-Over Row | 67 lb30.4 kg | 92 lb41.7 kg | 122 lb55.3 kg | 153 lb69.4 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 92 lb41.7 kg | 122 lb55.3 kg | 159 lb72.1 kg | 202 lb91.6 kg | |
| 120 lb54.4 kg | Bent-Over Row | 72 lb32.7 kg | 97 lb44 kg | 129 lb58.5 kg | 162 lb73.5 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 97 lb44 kg | 129 lb58.5 kg | 168 lb76.2 kg | 214 lb97.1 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Bent-Over Row | 75 lb34 kg | 103 lb46.7 kg | 136 lb61.7 kg | 171 lb77.6 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 103 lb46.7 kg | 136 lb61.7 kg | 177 lb80.3 kg | 225 lb102.1 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Bent-Over Row | 79 lb35.8 kg | 108 lb49 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg | 180 lb81.6 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 108 lb49 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg | 186 lb84.4 kg | 237 lb107.5 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Bent-Over Row | 83 lb37.6 kg | 113 lb51.3 kg | 150 lb68 kg | 188 lb85.3 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 113 lb51.3 kg | 150 lb68 kg | 195 lb88.5 kg | 248 lb112.5 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Bent-Over Row | 87 lb39.5 kg | 118 lb53.5 kg | 157 lb71.2 kg | 196 lb88.9 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 118 lb53.5 kg | 157 lb71.2 kg | 204 lb92.5 kg | 259 lb117.5 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Bent-Over Row | 90 lb40.8 kg | 123 lb55.8 kg | 163 lb73.9 kg | 204 lb92.5 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 123 lb55.8 kg | 163 lb73.9 kg | 212 lb96.2 kg | 270 lb122.5 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Bent-Over Row | 94 lb42.6 kg | 128 lb58.1 kg | 169 lb76.7 kg | 212 lb96.2 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 128 lb58.1 kg | 169 lb76.7 kg | 220 lb99.8 kg | 280 lb127 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Bent-Over Row | 97 lb44 kg | 132 lb59.9 kg | 176 lb79.8 kg | 220 lb99.8 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 132 lb59.9 kg | 176 lb79.8 kg | 228 lb103.4 kg | 290 lb131.5 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Bent-Over Row | 101 lb45.8 kg | 137 lb62.1 kg | 182 lb82.6 kg | 228 lb103.4 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 137 lb62.1 kg | 182 lb82.6 kg | 236 lb107 kg | 300 lb136.1 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Bent-Over Row | 104 lb47.2 kg | 141 lb64 kg | 188 lb85.3 kg | 235 lb106.6 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 141 lb64 kg | 188 lb85.3 kg | 244 lb110.7 kg | 310 lb140.6 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Bent-Over Row | 107 lb48.5 kg | 146 lb66.2 kg | 194 lb88 kg | 243 lb110.2 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 146 lb66.2 kg | 194 lb88 kg | 252 lb114.3 kg | 320 lb145.1 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Bent-Over Row | 110 lb49.9 kg | 150 lb68 kg | 199 lb90.3 kg | 250 lb113.4 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 150 lb68 kg | 199 lb90.3 kg | 259 lb117.5 kg | 330 lb149.7 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Bent-Over Row | 114 lb51.7 kg | 155 lb70.3 kg | 205 lb93 kg | 257 lb116.6 kg |
| Barbell Front Squat | 155 lb70.3 kg | 205 lb93 kg | 267 lb121.1 kg | 339 lb153.8 kg |
How Your Bent Over Row vs Barbell Front Squat Result Is Calculated
Both lifts are scored independently first: estimated max, bodyweight-adjusted strength level, and progress toward the next level. Those ratings drive the comparison.
1. Estimate a one-rep max from each set
A one-rep set uses the entered weight. For 2–12 reps, both formulas are calculated and the lower estimate is retained.
- Epley: weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30)
- Brzycki: weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps)
For the most useful Bent Over Row vs Barbell Front Squat comparison, enter clean, difficult sets performed with the same technique and range of motion you use in training. Lower-rep sets usually require less extrapolation.
2. Find the barbell bent-over row strength level
For barbell bent-over row, the individual exercise thresholds start from reference bodyweights of 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women. Exact-bodyweight targets use reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
Two-thirds scaling raises the target as bodyweight rises while limiting the size advantage that a direct one-to-one adjustment would create.
3. Find the barbell front squat strength level
The barbell front squat rating uses its sex-specific exercise standards. Reference targets at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women are scaled to the entered bodyweight by reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
Two-thirds scaling raises the target as bodyweight rises while limiting the size advantage that a direct one-to-one adjustment would create.
4. Compare the two results
The lift with the lower Beginner-to-Elite rating is the priority. If both ratings match, the calculator requires a 10-point difference in next-level progress before naming a priority; otherwise it reports Balanced.
A priority result is a standards comparison, not a diagnosis. Differences in technique, fatigue, practice, or set effort may influence it. Age range is recorded anonymously and does not alter these 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 bent-over row | Use total-barbell estimated max and adjust targets with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the barbell front squat | 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. |
Enter both sets above to see the estimated maxes, assigned levels, next-level targets, and comparison result.
How Men’s Bent Over Row and Barbell Front Squat Standards Differ
What the men’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 120 lb.
The higher target remains with Barbell Front Squat for Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite throughout the table.
At Elite, the difference is 25.4 kg at 120 lb and 46.8 kg at 300 lb.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Barbell Front Squat standard minus the Bent-Over Row standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Barbell Front Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Bent-Over Row standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.
Line chart loading. The standards tables above contain the exact pounds and kilograms.
How Women’s Bent Over Row and Barbell Front 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.
At Elite, the difference is 20.8 kg at 100 lb and 37.2 kg at 240 lb.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Barbell Front Squat standard minus the Bent-Over Row standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Barbell Front Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Bent-Over Row standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.
Line chart loading. The standards tables above contain the exact pounds and kilograms.
Bent Over Row and Barbell Front Squat Exercises Used by This Calculator
Compare like-for-like attempts by keeping the barbell bent-over row and barbell front squat setup consistent with their individual rules. Use strict, repeatable Bent Over Row and Barbell Front Squat tests that follow each exercise’s setup, range of motion, equipment, and load rules. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use the Barbell Bent-Over Row setup and load convention
Barbell starts from a dead hang below the shoulders. Torso is hinged forward and remains roughly near-parallel to the floor. Knees are slightly bent, hips are hinged, and the spine stays neutral. Bar is pulled to the lower ribs or upper abdomen each rep. Arms extend fully at the bottom of each rep. No torso heaving, hip snap, or body English. Consistent torso angle and bar path are required across tests. No Pendlay rows, Yates rows, cheat rows, T-bar rows, Smith machine rows, machine rows, partial range variants, or equipped lifting standards. Estimated 1RM is calculated from the entered load and reps.
Keep the bar in the front rack through full depth
Enter the bar plus all plates. Support the bar across the front of the shoulders, descend under control until the hip crease is below the top of the knee, and stand to full lockout while retaining the front rack. Do not enter per-side plates, back squats, Zercher or goblet squats, Smith or machine squats, partial reps, assisted reps, or reps that lose the front rack.
Enter one recent Bent Over Row result and one recent Barbell Front Squat result
First lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: total barbell weight and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms.
Related Tools
- Barbell Bent-Over Row — View the individual Bent-Over Row standards and next strength-level target.
- Barbell Front Squat — View the individual Barbell Front Squat standards and next strength-level target.
- Axle Back Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Axle Row — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Back Squat with Bands — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Back Squat with Chains — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.