Bulgarian Split Squat vs Leg Extension Strength Standards
Compare your Bulgarian split squat and leg extension 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.
For Bulgarian Split Squat, enter total external weight. For Leg Extension, enter displayed machine or stack weight. Use a controlled rear-foot-elevated split squat performed per leg to at least front-thigh-parallel depth and full lockout and a strict, repeatable leg extension 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.
Bulgarian Split Squat vs Leg Extension Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the Bulgarian split squat and leg extension to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your Bulgarian split squat and leg extension.
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 Bulgarian Split Squat / Leg Extension, 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 Bulgarian Split Squat vs Leg Extension Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Bulgarian Split Squat; the second is Leg Extension. 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 | 56 / 49 lb 25.4 / 22.2 kg | 84 / 77 lb 38.1 / 34.9 kg | 119 / 109 lb 54 / 49.4 kg | 160 / 143 lb 72.6 / 64.9 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 59 / 52 lb 26.8 / 23.6 kg | 89 / 82 lb 40.4 / 37.2 kg | 126 / 115 lb 57.2 / 52.2 kg | 169 / 151 lb 76.7 / 68.5 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 62 / 55 lb 28.1 / 24.9 kg | 93 / 86 lb 42.2 / 39 kg | 132 / 121 lb 59.9 / 54.9 kg | 178 / 158 lb 80.7 / 71.7 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 65 / 57 lb 29.5 / 25.9 kg | 97 / 90 lb 44 / 40.8 kg | 138 / 126 lb 62.6 / 57.2 kg | 186 / 166 lb 84.4 / 75.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 68 / 60 lb 30.8 / 27.2 kg | 102 / 94 lb 46.3 / 42.6 kg | 144 / 132 lb 65.3 / 59.9 kg | 194 / 173 lb 88 / 78.5 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 71 / 62 lb 32.2 / 28.1 kg | 106 / 97 lb 48.1 / 44 kg | 150 / 137 lb 68 / 62.1 kg | 202 / 180 lb 91.6 / 81.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 73 / 65 lb 33.1 / 29.5 kg | 110 / 101 lb 49.9 / 45.8 kg | 156 / 143 lb 70.8 / 64.9 kg | 210 / 187 lb 95.3 / 84.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 76 / 67 lb 34.5 / 30.4 kg | 114 / 105 lb 51.7 / 47.6 kg | 162 / 148 lb 73.5 / 67.1 kg | 218 / 194 lb 98.9 / 88 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 79 / 69 lb 35.8 / 31.3 kg | 118 / 109 lb 53.5 / 49.4 kg | 168 / 153 lb 76.2 / 69.4 kg | 226 / 201 lb 102.5 / 91.2 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 81 / 72 lb 36.7 / 32.7 kg | 122 / 112 lb 55.3 / 50.8 kg | 173 / 158 lb 78.5 / 71.7 kg | 233 / 207 lb 105.7 / 93.9 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 84 / 74 lb 38.1 / 33.6 kg | 126 / 116 lb 57.2 / 52.6 kg | 179 / 163 lb 81.2 / 73.9 kg | 240 / 214 lb 108.9 / 97.1 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 86 / 76 lb 39 / 34.5 kg | 129 / 119 lb 58.5 / 54 kg | 184 / 168 lb 83.5 / 76.2 kg | 248 / 220 lb 112.5 / 99.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 89 / 78 lb 40.4 / 35.4 kg | 133 / 123 lb 60.3 / 55.8 kg | 189 / 173 lb 85.7 / 78.5 kg | 255 / 227 lb 115.7 / 103 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 91 / 80 lb 41.3 / 36.3 kg | 137 / 126 lb 62.1 / 57.2 kg | 195 / 178 lb 88.5 / 80.7 kg | 262 / 233 lb 118.8 / 105.7 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 94 / 83 lb 42.6 / 37.6 kg | 141 / 129 lb 64 / 58.5 kg | 200 / 182 lb 90.7 / 82.6 kg | 269 / 239 lb 122 / 108.4 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 96 / 85 lb 43.5 / 38.6 kg | 144 / 133 lb 65.3 / 60.3 kg | 205 / 187 lb 93 / 84.8 kg | 276 / 245 lb 125.2 / 111.1 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 98 / 87 lb 44.5 / 39.5 kg | 148 / 136 lb 67.1 / 61.7 kg | 210 / 192 lb 95.3 / 87.1 kg | 282 / 251 lb 127.9 / 113.9 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 101 / 89 lb 45.8 / 40.4 kg | 151 / 139 lb 68.5 / 63 kg | 215 / 196 lb 97.5 / 88.9 kg | 289 / 257 lb 131.1 / 116.6 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 103 / 91 lb 46.7 / 41.3 kg | 155 / 142 lb 70.3 / 64.4 kg | 220 / 201 lb 99.8 / 91.2 kg | 296 / 263 lb 134.3 / 119.3 kg |
Women’s Bulgarian Split Squat vs Leg Extension Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Bulgarian Split Squat; the second is Leg Extension. 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 | 34 / 29 lb 15.4 / 13.2 kg | 52 / 46 lb 23.6 / 20.9 kg | 75 / 69 lb 34 / 31.3 kg | 103 / 89 lb 46.7 / 40.4 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 37 / 31 lb 16.8 / 14.1 kg | 55 / 49 lb 24.9 / 22.2 kg | 80 / 73 lb 36.3 / 33.1 kg | 110 / 95 lb 49.9 / 43.1 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 39 / 33 lb 17.7 / 15 kg | 59 / 52 lb 26.8 / 23.6 kg | 84 / 78 lb 38.1 / 35.4 kg | 116 / 101 lb 52.6 / 45.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 41 / 35 lb 18.6 / 15.9 kg | 62 / 55 lb 28.1 / 24.9 kg | 89 / 82 lb 40.4 / 37.2 kg | 123 / 106 lb 55.8 / 48.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 43 / 36 lb 19.5 / 16.3 kg | 65 / 57 lb 29.5 / 25.9 kg | 94 / 86 lb 42.6 / 39 kg | 129 / 112 lb 58.5 / 50.8 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 45 / 38 lb 20.4 / 17.2 kg | 68 / 60 lb 30.8 / 27.2 kg | 98 / 90 lb 44.5 / 40.8 kg | 135 / 117 lb 61.2 / 53.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 47 / 40 lb 21.3 / 18.1 kg | 71 / 63 lb 32.2 / 28.6 kg | 102 / 94 lb 46.3 / 42.6 kg | 141 / 122 lb 64 / 55.3 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 49 / 41 lb 22.2 / 18.6 kg | 74 / 65 lb 33.6 / 29.5 kg | 107 / 98 lb 48.5 / 44.5 kg | 147 / 127 lb 66.7 / 57.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 51 / 43 lb 23.1 / 19.5 kg | 77 / 68 lb 34.9 / 30.8 kg | 111 / 102 lb 50.3 / 46.3 kg | 152 / 132 lb 68.9 / 59.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 53 / 44 lb 24 / 20 kg | 80 / 70 lb 36.3 / 31.8 kg | 115 / 105 lb 52.2 / 47.6 kg | 158 / 137 lb 71.7 / 62.1 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 55 / 46 lb 24.9 / 20.9 kg | 82 / 73 lb 37.2 / 33.1 kg | 119 / 109 lb 54 / 49.4 kg | 164 / 142 lb 74.4 / 64.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 56 / 48 lb 25.4 / 21.8 kg | 85 / 75 lb 38.6 / 34 kg | 123 / 113 lb 55.8 / 51.3 kg | 169 / 146 lb 76.7 / 66.2 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 58 / 49 lb 26.3 / 22.2 kg | 88 / 77 lb 39.9 / 34.9 kg | 127 / 116 lb 57.6 / 52.6 kg | 174 / 151 lb 78.9 / 68.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 60 / 51 lb 27.2 / 23.1 kg | 90 / 80 lb 40.8 / 36.3 kg | 130 / 120 lb 59 / 54.4 kg | 180 / 156 lb 81.6 / 70.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 62 / 52 lb 28.1 / 23.6 kg | 93 / 82 lb 42.2 / 37.2 kg | 134 / 123 lb 60.8 / 55.8 kg | 185 / 160 lb 83.9 / 72.6 kg |
How Your Bulgarian Split Squat vs Leg Extension 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 Bulgarian split squat strength level
The Bulgarian split squat standards use the sex-specific standards from the individual Bulgarian Split Squat 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 total weight without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the leg extension strength level
The standards use the sex-specific targets from the individual Leg Extension 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 Bulgarian split squat | Adjust per-leg Bulgarian split squat targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the leg extension | Adjust leg extension 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 Bulgarian Split Squat and Leg Extension 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 leg extension standard is higher; below zero means the Bulgarian split squat 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.
7.7 → 15 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the leg extension standard minus the Bulgarian split squat standard. A plus sign means the leg extension standard is higher. A minus sign means the Bulgarian split squat standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −10 lb −4.6 kg | −17 lb −7.7 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −18 lb −8.2 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −20 lb −9 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −12 lb −5.4 kg | −20 lb −9.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −8 lb −3.7 kg | −12 lb −5.4 kg | −21 lb −9.5 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −13 lb −5.9 kg | −22 lb −10 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −13 lb −5.9 kg | −23 lb −10.5 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −14 lb −6.4 kg | −24 lb −10.9 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −25 lb −11.3 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −9 lb −4 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −26 lb −11.8 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −10 lb −4.6 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg | −26 lb −11.8 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −16 lb −7.2 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −11 lb −4.9 kg | −17 lb −7.8 kg | −29 lb −13.1 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −12 lb −5.5 kg | −18 lb −8.1 kg | −30 lb −13.6 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | −11 lb −4.9 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −18 lb −8.2 kg | −31 lb −14.1 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −12 lb −5.4 kg | −18 lb −8.2 kg | −31 lb −14 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | −12 lb −5.4 kg | −12 lb −5.5 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg | −32 lb −14.5 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | −12 lb −5.4 kg | −13 lb −5.9 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg | −33 lb −15 kg |
How Women’s Bulgarian Split Squat and Leg Extension Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
6.3 → 11.3 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the leg extension standard minus the Bulgarian split squat standard. A plus sign means the leg extension standard is higher. A minus sign means the Bulgarian split squat standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −14 lb −6.3 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −17 lb −7.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −17 lb −7.7 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −8 lb −3.7 kg | −18 lb −8.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −8 lb −3.7 kg | −19 lb −8.7 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −9 lb −4 kg | −20 lb −9.1 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −9 lb −4 kg | −20 lb −9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −9 lb −4 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −10 lb −4.6 kg | −21 lb −9.6 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −9 lb −4 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −10 lb −4.6 kg | −22 lb −10 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −10 lb −4.6 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −23 lb −10.5 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −23 lb −10.4 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −9 lb −4.1 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −10 lb −4.6 kg | −24 lb −10.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −10 lb −4.5 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −25 lb −11.3 kg |
Bulgarian Split Squat and Leg Extension Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a loaded Bulgarian split squat assessed per leg and a strict leg extension. Use strict Bulgarian Split Squat and Leg Extension sets that follow each individual tool’s canonical setup, range, equipment, and lockout rules. Do not transfer a load convention or variation from one exercise to the other.
Use a rear-foot-elevated split squat and enter total external load
Keep the rear foot elevated and front foot planted, descend until the front thigh reaches at least parallel, then stand to full lockout with balance and control. Enter only total external load, combining both handheld implements. Do not include bodyweight or use a standard split squat, Smith-machine variation, machine variation, partial rep, or assisted balance.
Use a strict, repeatable Leg Extension
the selected or added machine resistance for both legs together strict two-leg machine leg extension reps extend both knees from the same controlled seated start to a repeatable near-straight finish, then return without kicking, hip lift, pad bounce, seat slide, or shortened range Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set No substituted exercise or assisted reps Enter displayed machine or stack weight. Keep the same equipment and setup when retesting.
Enter one recent Bulgarian Split Squat set and one recent Leg Extension set
Use each exercise’s stated load convention and enter a whole number from 1 to 12 reps. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Use clean, difficult sets and repeat the same equipment and setup when retesting.
Related Tools
- Bulgarian Split Squat (Per Leg, Raw) — View the individual Bulgarian Split Squat standards and next strength-level target.
- Leg Extension — View the individual Leg Extension standards and next strength-level target.
- Seated Leg Curl — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Lying Leg Curl — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.