Barbell High Pull vs Kettlebell High Pull Strength Standards
Compare your barbell high pull and kettlebell high pull 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 Use the following execution standard: and one kettlebell high-pulled by one arm at a time. 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.
Barbell High Pull vs Kettlebell High Pull Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the barbell high pull and kettlebell high pull to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your barbell high pull and kettlebell high pull.
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 Barbell High Pull / Kettlebell High Pull, 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 Barbell High Pull vs Kettlebell High Pull Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Barbell High Pull; the second is Kettlebell High Pull. 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 | 76 / 45 lb 34.5 / 20.4 kg | 118 / 70 lb 53.5 / 31.8 kg | 160 / 101 lb 72.6 / 45.8 kg | 202 / 134 lb 91.6 / 60.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 80 / 47 lb 36.3 / 21.3 kg | 124 / 74 lb 56.2 / 33.6 kg | 168 / 106 lb 76.2 / 48.1 kg | 213 / 141 lb 96.6 / 64 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 84 / 50 lb 38.1 / 22.7 kg | 131 / 78 lb 59.4 / 35.4 kg | 177 / 112 lb 80.3 / 50.8 kg | 224 / 148 lb 101.6 / 67.1 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 88 / 52 lb 39.9 / 23.6 kg | 137 / 81 lb 62.1 / 36.7 kg | 185 / 117 lb 83.9 / 53.1 kg | 234 / 155 lb 106.1 / 70.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 92 / 54 lb 41.7 / 24.5 kg | 143 / 85 lb 64.9 / 38.6 kg | 194 / 122 lb 88 / 55.3 kg | 244 / 162 lb 110.7 / 73.5 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 96 / 57 lb 43.5 / 25.9 kg | 149 / 88 lb 67.6 / 39.9 kg | 201 / 127 lb 91.2 / 57.6 kg | 254 / 169 lb 115.2 / 76.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 99 / 59 lb 44.9 / 26.8 kg | 154 / 92 lb 69.9 / 41.7 kg | 209 / 132 lb 94.8 / 59.9 kg | 264 / 176 lb 119.7 / 79.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 103 / 61 lb 46.7 / 27.7 kg | 160 / 95 lb 72.6 / 43.1 kg | 217 / 137 lb 98.4 / 62.1 kg | 274 / 182 lb 124.3 / 82.6 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 107 / 63 lb 48.5 / 28.6 kg | 166 / 98 lb 75.3 / 44.5 kg | 225 / 142 lb 102.1 / 64.4 kg | 284 / 188 lb 128.8 / 85.3 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 110 / 65 lb 49.9 / 29.5 kg | 171 / 102 lb 77.6 / 46.3 kg | 232 / 146 lb 105.2 / 66.2 kg | 293 / 195 lb 132.9 / 88.5 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 114 / 67 lb 51.7 / 30.4 kg | 176 / 105 lb 79.8 / 47.6 kg | 239 / 151 lb 108.4 / 68.5 kg | 302 / 201 lb 137 / 91.2 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 117 / 69 lb 53.1 / 31.3 kg | 182 / 108 lb 82.6 / 49 kg | 246 / 156 lb 111.6 / 70.8 kg | 311 / 207 lb 141.1 / 93.9 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 120 / 71 lb 54.4 / 32.2 kg | 187 / 111 lb 84.8 / 50.3 kg | 254 / 160 lb 115.2 / 72.6 kg | 320 / 213 lb 145.1 / 96.6 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 124 / 73 lb 56.2 / 33.1 kg | 192 / 114 lb 87.1 / 51.7 kg | 261 / 165 lb 118.4 / 74.8 kg | 329 / 219 lb 149.2 / 99.3 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 127 / 75 lb 57.6 / 34 kg | 197 / 117 lb 89.4 / 53.1 kg | 267 / 169 lb 121.1 / 76.7 kg | 338 / 224 lb 153.3 / 101.6 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 130 / 77 lb 59 / 34.9 kg | 202 / 120 lb 91.6 / 54.4 kg | 274 / 173 lb 124.3 / 78.5 kg | 346 / 230 lb 156.9 / 104.3 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 133 / 79 lb 60.3 / 35.8 kg | 207 / 123 lb 93.9 / 55.8 kg | 281 / 177 lb 127.5 / 80.3 kg | 355 / 236 lb 161 / 107 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 137 / 81 lb 62.1 / 36.7 kg | 212 / 126 lb 96.2 / 57.2 kg | 288 / 182 lb 130.6 / 82.6 kg | 363 / 241 lb 164.7 / 109.3 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 140 / 83 lb 63.5 / 37.6 kg | 217 / 129 lb 98.4 / 58.5 kg | 294 / 186 lb 133.4 / 84.4 kg | 372 / 247 lb 168.7 / 112 kg |
Women’s Barbell High Pull vs Kettlebell High Pull Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Barbell High Pull; the second is Kettlebell High Pull. 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 / 25 lb 20.9 / 11.3 kg | 72 / 40 lb 32.7 / 18.1 kg | 102 / 60 lb 46.3 / 27.2 kg | 128 / 80 lb 58.1 / 36.3 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 49 / 27 lb 22.2 / 12.2 kg | 77 / 43 lb 34.9 / 19.5 kg | 109 / 63 lb 49.4 / 28.6 kg | 137 / 85 lb 62.1 / 38.6 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 52 / 28 lb 23.6 / 12.7 kg | 82 / 46 lb 37.2 / 20.9 kg | 115 / 67 lb 52.2 / 30.4 kg | 145 / 90 lb 65.8 / 40.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 55 / 30 lb 24.9 / 13.6 kg | 86 / 48 lb 39 / 21.8 kg | 122 / 71 lb 55.3 / 32.2 kg | 153 / 95 lb 69.4 / 43.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 57 / 32 lb 25.9 / 14.5 kg | 91 / 51 lb 41.3 / 23.1 kg | 128 / 74 lb 58.1 / 33.6 kg | 160 / 100 lb 72.6 / 45.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 60 / 33 lb 27.2 / 15 kg | 95 / 53 lb 43.1 / 24 kg | 134 / 78 lb 60.8 / 35.4 kg | 168 / 105 lb 76.2 / 47.6 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 63 / 34 lb 28.6 / 15.4 kg | 99 / 55 lb 44.9 / 24.9 kg | 140 / 81 lb 63.5 / 36.7 kg | 175 / 110 lb 79.4 / 49.9 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 65 / 36 lb 29.5 / 16.3 kg | 103 / 58 lb 46.7 / 26.3 kg | 146 / 85 lb 66.2 / 38.6 kg | 183 / 114 lb 83 / 51.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 68 / 37 lb 30.8 / 16.8 kg | 107 / 60 lb 48.5 / 27.2 kg | 151 / 88 lb 68.5 / 39.9 kg | 190 / 119 lb 86.2 / 54 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 70 / 39 lb 31.8 / 17.7 kg | 111 / 62 lb 50.3 / 28.1 kg | 157 / 91 lb 71.2 / 41.3 kg | 197 / 123 lb 89.4 / 55.8 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 73 / 40 lb 33.1 / 18.1 kg | 115 / 64 lb 52.2 / 29 kg | 162 / 94 lb 73.5 / 42.6 kg | 204 / 127 lb 92.5 / 57.6 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 75 / 41 lb 34 / 18.6 kg | 119 / 66 lb 54 / 29.9 kg | 168 / 98 lb 76.2 / 44.5 kg | 210 / 131 lb 95.3 / 59.4 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 77 / 43 lb 34.9 / 19.5 kg | 123 / 68 lb 55.8 / 30.8 kg | 173 / 101 lb 78.5 / 45.8 kg | 217 / 136 lb 98.4 / 61.7 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 80 / 44 lb 36.3 / 20 kg | 126 / 70 lb 57.2 / 31.8 kg | 178 / 104 lb 80.7 / 47.2 kg | 223 / 140 lb 101.2 / 63.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 82 / 45 lb 37.2 / 20.4 kg | 130 / 73 lb 59 / 33.1 kg | 183 / 107 lb 83 / 48.5 kg | 230 / 144 lb 104.3 / 65.3 kg |
How Your Barbell High Pull vs Kettlebell High Pull 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 barbell high pull strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Barbell High Pull 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 kettlebell high pull strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Kettlebell High Pull 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 barbell high pull | Use the canonical estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the approved two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the kettlebell high pull | 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 Barbell High Pull and Kettlebell High Pull 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 kettlebell high pull standard is higher; below zero means the barbell high pull 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.
30.8 → 56.7 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the kettlebell high pull standard minus the barbell high pull standard. A plus sign means the kettlebell high pull standard is higher. A minus sign means the barbell high pull standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −31 lb −14.1 kg | −48 lb −21.7 kg | −59 lb −26.8 kg | −68 lb −30.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −33 lb −15 kg | −50 lb −22.6 kg | −62 lb −28.1 kg | −72 lb −32.6 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −53 lb −24 kg | −65 lb −29.5 kg | −76 lb −34.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −36 lb −16.3 kg | −56 lb −25.4 kg | −68 lb −30.8 kg | −79 lb −35.8 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −38 lb −17.2 kg | −58 lb −26.3 kg | −72 lb −32.7 kg | −82 lb −37.2 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −39 lb −17.6 kg | −61 lb −27.7 kg | −74 lb −33.6 kg | −85 lb −38.5 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −40 lb −18.1 kg | −62 lb −28.2 kg | −77 lb −34.9 kg | −88 lb −39.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −42 lb −19 kg | −65 lb −29.5 kg | −80 lb −36.3 kg | −92 lb −41.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −44 lb −19.9 kg | −68 lb −30.8 kg | −83 lb −37.7 kg | −96 lb −43.5 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −45 lb −20.4 kg | −69 lb −31.3 kg | −86 lb −39 kg | −98 lb −44.4 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg | −71 lb −32.2 kg | −88 lb −39.9 kg | −101 lb −45.8 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −48 lb −21.8 kg | −74 lb −33.6 kg | −90 lb −40.8 kg | −104 lb −47.2 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −49 lb −22.2 kg | −76 lb −34.5 kg | −94 lb −42.6 kg | −107 lb −48.5 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | −51 lb −23.1 kg | −78 lb −35.4 kg | −96 lb −43.6 kg | −110 lb −49.9 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | −52 lb −23.6 kg | −80 lb −36.3 kg | −98 lb −44.4 kg | −114 lb −51.7 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | −53 lb −24.1 kg | −82 lb −37.2 kg | −101 lb −45.8 kg | −116 lb −52.6 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | −54 lb −24.5 kg | −84 lb −38.1 kg | −104 lb −47.2 kg | −119 lb −54 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | −56 lb −25.4 kg | −86 lb −39 kg | −106 lb −48 kg | −122 lb −55.4 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | −57 lb −25.9 kg | −88 lb −39.9 kg | −108 lb −49 kg | −125 lb −56.7 kg |
How Women’s Barbell High Pull and Kettlebell High Pull Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
21.8 → 39 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the kettlebell high pull standard minus the barbell high pull standard. A plus sign means the kettlebell high pull standard is higher. A minus sign means the barbell high pull standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | −21 lb −9.6 kg | −32 lb −14.6 kg | −42 lb −19.1 kg | −48 lb −21.8 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | −22 lb −10 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −46 lb −20.8 kg | −52 lb −23.5 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −24 lb −10.9 kg | −36 lb −16.3 kg | −48 lb −21.8 kg | −55 lb −25 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −25 lb −11.3 kg | −38 lb −17.2 kg | −51 lb −23.1 kg | −58 lb −26.3 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −25 lb −11.4 kg | −40 lb −18.2 kg | −54 lb −24.5 kg | −60 lb −27.2 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −27 lb −12.2 kg | −42 lb −19.1 kg | −56 lb −25.4 kg | −63 lb −28.6 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −29 lb −13.2 kg | −44 lb −20 kg | −59 lb −26.8 kg | −65 lb −29.5 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −29 lb −13.2 kg | −45 lb −20.4 kg | −61 lb −27.6 kg | −69 lb −31.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −31 lb −14 kg | −47 lb −21.3 kg | −63 lb −28.6 kg | −71 lb −32.2 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −31 lb −14.1 kg | −49 lb −22.2 kg | −66 lb −29.9 kg | −74 lb −33.6 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −33 lb −15 kg | −51 lb −23.2 kg | −68 lb −30.9 kg | −77 lb −34.9 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −53 lb −24.1 kg | −70 lb −31.7 kg | −79 lb −35.9 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −55 lb −25 kg | −72 lb −32.7 kg | −81 lb −36.7 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −36 lb −16.3 kg | −56 lb −25.4 kg | −74 lb −33.5 kg | −83 lb −37.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −37 lb −16.8 kg | −57 lb −25.9 kg | −76 lb −34.5 kg | −86 lb −39 kg |
Barbell High Pull and Kettlebell High Pull Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict barbell high pull test and a strict kettlebell high pull test. Use strict canonical Barbell High Pull and Kettlebell High Pull tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use the canonical Barbell High Pull setup and load convention
Use the following execution standard: – Barbell starts on the floor for every rep (dead stop) – Clean grip (shoulder-width) is required for all tests – Lifters hinge at the hips with torso inclined forward at the start – Explosive hip extension drives the bar upward – Bar travels vertically close to the body – Elbows rise up and out, finishing above the wrists – Bar must reach at least lower chest height – No turnover into a catch (this is not a clean) – Bar returns fully to the floor between reps with no bounce – Rep counts only if the bar reaches consistent height and returns under control – Raw lifting only Disallowed variations: – Hang high pulls (no floor start) – Power cleans or clean pulls – Snatch-grip high pulls (separate tool) – Partial pulls that do not reach chest height – Barbell shrugs – Smith machine or machine-based variations – Mixed grip or inconsistent grip between tests
Use the canonical Kettlebell High Pull setup and load convention
one kettlebell high-pulled by one arm at a time total valid reps across both arms combined high pull one kettlebell with elbow leading to a controlled chest or upper-rib height without rack catch, overhead turnover, upright-row-only grinding, partial pull, or off-hand assistance Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set No substituted exercise or assisted reps
Enter one recent Barbell High Pull result and one recent Kettlebell High Pull result
Enter the canonical working weight and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed.
Related Tools
- Barbell High Pull — View the individual Barbell High Pull standards and next strength-level target.
- Kettlebell High Pull — View the individual Kettlebell High Pull standards and next strength-level target.
- Hang Clean (Dumbbell) — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Snatch — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Kettlebell Swing — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Upright Row — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.