Cable Preacher Curl vs Barbell Preacher Curl Strength Standards
Compare your cable preacher curl and barbell preacher curl 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: Displayed machine or cable resistance for Cable Preacher Curl and Total barbell weight for Barbell Preacher Curl. Use the selected cable resistance used with the approved preacher support and curl attachment and a strict bilateral barbell preacher curl from controlled near-full elbow extension to full flexion with upper arms planted. 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.
Cable Preacher Curl vs Barbell Preacher Curl Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the cable preacher curl and barbell preacher curl to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your cable preacher curl and barbell preacher curl.
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 Cable Preacher Curl / Barbell Preacher Curl, 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 Cable Preacher Curl vs Barbell Preacher Curl Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Cable Preacher Curl; the second is Barbell Preacher Curl. 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 | 22 / 35 lb 10 / 15.9 kg | 34 / 53 lb 15.4 / 24 kg | 48 / 77 lb 21.8 / 34.9 kg | 64 / 101 lb 29 / 45.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 23 / 37 lb 10.4 / 16.8 kg | 36 / 56 lb 16.3 / 25.4 kg | 50 / 82 lb 22.7 / 37.2 kg | 68 / 106 lb 30.8 / 48.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 24 / 39 lb 10.9 / 17.7 kg | 38 / 59 lb 17.2 / 26.8 kg | 53 / 86 lb 24 / 39 kg | 71 / 112 lb 32.2 / 50.8 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 26 / 41 lb 11.8 / 18.6 kg | 39 / 62 lb 17.7 / 28.1 kg | 56 / 90 lb 25.4 / 40.8 kg | 74 / 117 lb 33.6 / 53.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 27 / 43 lb 12.2 / 19.5 kg | 41 / 64 lb 18.6 / 29 kg | 58 / 94 lb 26.3 / 42.6 kg | 78 / 122 lb 35.4 / 55.3 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 28 / 45 lb 12.7 / 20.4 kg | 43 / 67 lb 19.5 / 30.4 kg | 60 / 97 lb 27.2 / 44 kg | 81 / 127 lb 36.7 / 57.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 29 / 46 lb 13.2 / 20.9 kg | 44 / 69 lb 20 / 31.3 kg | 63 / 101 lb 28.6 / 45.8 kg | 84 / 132 lb 38.1 / 59.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 30 / 48 lb 13.6 / 21.8 kg | 46 / 72 lb 20.9 / 32.7 kg | 65 / 105 lb 29.5 / 47.6 kg | 87 / 137 lb 39.5 / 62.1 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 31 / 50 lb 14.1 / 22.7 kg | 48 / 75 lb 21.8 / 34 kg | 67 / 109 lb 30.4 / 49.4 kg | 90 / 142 lb 40.8 / 64.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 32 / 51 lb 14.5 / 23.1 kg | 49 / 77 lb 22.2 / 34.9 kg | 69 / 112 lb 31.3 / 50.8 kg | 93 / 146 lb 42.2 / 66.2 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 33 / 53 lb 15 / 24 kg | 51 / 79 lb 23.1 / 35.8 kg | 72 / 116 lb 32.7 / 52.6 kg | 96 / 151 lb 43.5 / 68.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 34 / 55 lb 15.4 / 24.9 kg | 52 / 82 lb 23.6 / 37.2 kg | 74 / 119 lb 33.6 / 54 kg | 99 / 156 lb 44.9 / 70.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 35 / 56 lb 15.9 / 25.4 kg | 54 / 84 lb 24.5 / 38.1 kg | 76 / 123 lb 34.5 / 55.8 kg | 102 / 160 lb 46.3 / 72.6 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 36 / 58 lb 16.3 / 26.3 kg | 55 / 86 lb 24.9 / 39 kg | 78 / 126 lb 35.4 / 57.2 kg | 104 / 165 lb 47.2 / 74.8 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 37 / 59 lb 16.8 / 26.8 kg | 57 / 89 lb 25.9 / 40.4 kg | 80 / 129 lb 36.3 / 58.5 kg | 107 / 169 lb 48.5 / 76.7 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 38 / 61 lb 17.2 / 27.7 kg | 58 / 91 lb 26.3 / 41.3 kg | 82 / 133 lb 37.2 / 60.3 kg | 110 / 173 lb 49.9 / 78.5 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 39 / 62 lb 17.7 / 28.1 kg | 60 / 93 lb 27.2 / 42.2 kg | 84 / 136 lb 38.1 / 61.7 kg | 113 / 177 lb 51.3 / 80.3 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 40 / 64 lb 18.1 / 29 kg | 61 / 95 lb 27.7 / 43.1 kg | 86 / 139 lb 39 / 63 kg | 115 / 182 lb 52.2 / 82.6 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 41 / 65 lb 18.6 / 29.5 kg | 62 / 98 lb 28.1 / 44.5 kg | 88 / 142 lb 39.9 / 64.4 kg | 118 / 186 lb 53.5 / 84.4 kg |
Women’s Cable Preacher Curl vs Barbell Preacher Curl Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Cable Preacher Curl; the second is Barbell Preacher Curl. 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 | 11 / 20 lb 5 / 9.1 kg | 20 / 34 lb 9.1 / 15.4 kg | 30 / 50 lb 13.6 / 22.7 kg | 41 / 69 lb 18.6 / 31.3 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 12 / 21 lb 5.4 / 9.5 kg | 21 / 37 lb 9.5 / 16.8 kg | 32 / 53 lb 14.5 / 24 kg | 44 / 73 lb 20 / 33.1 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 13 / 22 lb 5.9 / 10 kg | 22 / 39 lb 10 / 17.7 kg | 34 / 56 lb 15.4 / 25.4 kg | 47 / 78 lb 21.3 / 35.4 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 14 / 24 lb 6.4 / 10.9 kg | 24 / 41 lb 10.9 / 18.6 kg | 35 / 59 lb 15.9 / 26.8 kg | 49 / 82 lb 22.2 / 37.2 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 14 / 25 lb 6.4 / 11.3 kg | 25 / 43 lb 11.3 / 19.5 kg | 37 / 62 lb 16.8 / 28.1 kg | 52 / 86 lb 23.6 / 39 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 15 / 26 lb 6.8 / 11.8 kg | 26 / 45 lb 11.8 / 20.4 kg | 39 / 65 lb 17.7 / 29.5 kg | 54 / 90 lb 24.5 / 40.8 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 16 / 27 lb 7.3 / 12.2 kg | 27 / 47 lb 12.2 / 21.3 kg | 41 / 68 lb 18.6 / 30.8 kg | 56 / 94 lb 25.4 / 42.6 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 16 / 28 lb 7.3 / 12.7 kg | 28 / 49 lb 12.7 / 22.2 kg | 42 / 71 lb 19.1 / 32.2 kg | 59 / 98 lb 26.8 / 44.5 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 17 / 29 lb 7.7 / 13.2 kg | 29 / 51 lb 13.2 / 23.1 kg | 44 / 73 lb 20 / 33.1 kg | 61 / 102 lb 27.7 / 46.3 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 18 / 30 lb 8.2 / 13.6 kg | 30 / 53 lb 13.6 / 24 kg | 46 / 76 lb 20.9 / 34.5 kg | 63 / 105 lb 28.6 / 47.6 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 18 / 31 lb 8.2 / 14.1 kg | 31 / 55 lb 14.1 / 24.9 kg | 47 / 79 lb 21.3 / 35.8 kg | 65 / 109 lb 29.5 / 49.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 19 / 33 lb 8.6 / 15 kg | 33 / 56 lb 15 / 25.4 kg | 49 / 81 lb 22.2 / 36.7 kg | 68 / 113 lb 30.8 / 51.3 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 19 / 34 lb 8.6 / 15.4 kg | 34 / 58 lb 15.4 / 26.3 kg | 50 / 84 lb 22.7 / 38.1 kg | 70 / 116 lb 31.8 / 52.6 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 20 / 35 lb 9.1 / 15.9 kg | 35 / 60 lb 15.9 / 27.2 kg | 52 / 86 lb 23.6 / 39 kg | 72 / 120 lb 32.7 / 54.4 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 21 / 36 lb 9.5 / 16.3 kg | 36 / 62 lb 16.3 / 28.1 kg | 53 / 89 lb 24 / 40.4 kg | 74 / 123 lb 33.6 / 55.8 kg |
How Your Cable Preacher Curl vs Barbell Preacher Curl 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 cable preacher curl strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Cable Preacher Curl 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 barbell preacher curl strength level
The standards use the sex-specific strength levels from the individual Barbell Preacher Curl 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 curl more total barbell weight 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 cable preacher curl | Use the canonical estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the approved two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the barbell preacher curl | Adjust barbell preacher curl 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 Cable Preacher Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl 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 barbell preacher curl standard is higher; below zero means the cable preacher curl 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.
16.8 → 30.9 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the barbell preacher curl standard minus the cable preacher curl standard. A plus sign means the barbell preacher curl standard is higher. A minus sign means the cable preacher curl standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg | +38 lb +17.3 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg | +33 lb +15 kg | +41 lb +18.6 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg | +43 lb +19.5 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +36 lb +16.3 kg | +44 lb +19.9 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +46 lb +20.9 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg | +48 lb +21.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +40 lb +18.1 kg | +50 lb +22.6 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg | +42 lb +19 kg | +52 lb +23.6 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +43 lb +19.5 kg | +53 lb +24 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +20 lb +9 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +44 lb +19.9 kg | +55 lb +25 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +45 lb +20.4 kg | +57 lb +25.9 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +47 lb +21.3 kg | +58 lb +26.3 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +31 lb +14.1 kg | +48 lb +21.8 kg | +61 lb +27.6 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg | +62 lb +28.2 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +33 lb +15 kg | +51 lb +23.1 kg | +63 lb +28.6 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +33 lb +15 kg | +52 lb +23.6 kg | +64 lb +29 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg | +53 lb +24 kg | +67 lb +30.4 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +36 lb +16.4 kg | +54 lb +24.5 kg | +68 lb +30.9 kg |
How Women’s Cable Preacher Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
12.7 → 22.2 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the barbell preacher curl standard minus the cable preacher curl standard. A plus sign means the barbell preacher curl standard is higher. A minus sign means the cable preacher curl standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +31 lb +14.1 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +33 lb +15 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +36 lb +16.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg | +39 lb +17.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +22 lb +9.9 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg | +41 lb +18.6 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +42 lb +19 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +24 lb +10.8 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg | +44 lb +19.9 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg | +45 lb +20.5 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg | +46 lb +20.8 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg | +48 lb +21.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +36 lb +16.4 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg |
Cable Preacher Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict cable preacher curl test and a strict bilateral barbell preacher curl. Use strict canonical Cable Preacher Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use the canonical Cable Preacher Curl setup and load convention
the selected cable resistance used with the approved preacher support and curl attachment valid Cable Preacher Curl reps curl from the supported-arm bottom range to the approved top range without shoulder lift, pad slide, wrist collapse, or stack bounce Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set No substituted exercise or assisted reps
Enter total barbell weight and keep the upper arms planted
Start near full elbow extension with both upper arms fixed on the preacher pad, curl to full flexion, and lower under control. Do not count upper-arm lift, bounce, partials, torso or hip drive, standing assistance, spotter help, machine, cable, or assisted reps.
Enter one recent Cable Preacher Curl result and one recent Barbell Preacher Curl result
Use each exercise’s canonical input: Displayed machine or cable resistance for Cable Preacher Curl and Total barbell weight for Barbell Preacher Curl.
Related Tools
- Cable Preacher Curl — View the individual Cable Preacher Curl standards and next strength-level target.
- Barbell Preacher Curl — View the individual Barbell Preacher Curl standards and next strength-level target.
- Machine Biceps Curl — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Cable Biceps Curl — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- EZ Bar Curl — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Incline Dumbbell Curls — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.