Dumbbell Face Pull vs Cable Reverse Fly Strength Standards
Compare your dumbbell face pull and cable reverse fly 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: Total external load for Dumbbell Face Pull and Displayed machine or stack weight for Cable Reverse Fly. Use the combined weight of both matched dumbbells and a strict, repeatable cable reverse fly 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.
Dumbbell Face Pull vs Cable Reverse Fly Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the dumbbell face pull and cable reverse fly 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 face pull and cable reverse fly.
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 Face Pull / Cable Reverse Fly, 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 Face Pull vs Cable Reverse Fly Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Dumbbell Face Pull; the second is Cable Reverse Fly. 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 | 14 / 11 lb 6.4 / 5 kg | 22 / 20 lb 10 / 9.1 kg | 34 / 31 lb 15.4 / 14.1 kg | 45 / 45 lb 20.4 / 20.4 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 15 / 12 lb 6.8 / 5.4 kg | 23 / 21 lb 10.4 / 9.5 kg | 36 / 33 lb 16.3 / 15 kg | 47 / 47 lb 21.3 / 21.3 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 16 / 12 lb 7.3 / 5.4 kg | 24 / 22 lb 10.9 / 10 kg | 38 / 34 lb 17.2 / 15.4 kg | 50 / 50 lb 22.7 / 22.7 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 16 / 13 lb 7.3 / 5.9 kg | 26 / 23 lb 11.8 / 10.4 kg | 39 / 36 lb 17.7 / 16.3 kg | 52 / 52 lb 23.6 / 23.6 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 17 / 13 lb 7.7 / 5.9 kg | 27 / 24 lb 12.2 / 10.9 kg | 41 / 37 lb 18.6 / 16.8 kg | 54 / 54 lb 24.5 / 24.5 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 18 / 14 lb 8.2 / 6.4 kg | 28 / 25 lb 12.7 / 11.3 kg | 43 / 39 lb 19.5 / 17.7 kg | 57 / 57 lb 25.9 / 25.9 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 18 / 14 lb 8.2 / 6.4 kg | 29 / 26 lb 13.2 / 11.8 kg | 44 / 41 lb 20 / 18.6 kg | 59 / 59 lb 26.8 / 26.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 19 / 15 lb 8.6 / 6.8 kg | 30 / 27 lb 13.6 / 12.2 kg | 46 / 42 lb 20.9 / 19.1 kg | 61 / 61 lb 27.7 / 27.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 20 / 16 lb 9.1 / 7.3 kg | 31 / 28 lb 14.1 / 12.7 kg | 48 / 43 lb 21.8 / 19.5 kg | 63 / 63 lb 28.6 / 28.6 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 20 / 16 lb 9.1 / 7.3 kg | 32 / 29 lb 14.5 / 13.2 kg | 49 / 45 lb 22.2 / 20.4 kg | 65 / 65 lb 29.5 / 29.5 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 21 / 17 lb 9.5 / 7.7 kg | 33 / 30 lb 15 / 13.6 kg | 51 / 46 lb 23.1 / 20.9 kg | 67 / 67 lb 30.4 / 30.4 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 22 / 17 lb 10 / 7.7 kg | 34 / 31 lb 15.4 / 14.1 kg | 52 / 48 lb 23.6 / 21.8 kg | 69 / 69 lb 31.3 / 31.3 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 22 / 18 lb 10 / 8.2 kg | 35 / 32 lb 15.9 / 14.5 kg | 54 / 49 lb 24.5 / 22.2 kg | 71 / 71 lb 32.2 / 32.2 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 23 / 18 lb 10.4 / 8.2 kg | 36 / 32 lb 16.3 / 14.5 kg | 55 / 50 lb 24.9 / 22.7 kg | 73 / 73 lb 33.1 / 33.1 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 23 / 18 lb 10.4 / 8.2 kg | 37 / 33 lb 16.8 / 15 kg | 57 / 52 lb 25.9 / 23.6 kg | 75 / 75 lb 34 / 34 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 24 / 19 lb 10.9 / 8.6 kg | 38 / 34 lb 17.2 / 15.4 kg | 58 / 53 lb 26.3 / 24 kg | 77 / 77 lb 34.9 / 34.9 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 25 / 19 lb 11.3 / 8.6 kg | 39 / 35 lb 17.7 / 15.9 kg | 60 / 54 lb 27.2 / 24.5 kg | 79 / 79 lb 35.8 / 35.8 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 25 / 20 lb 11.3 / 9.1 kg | 40 / 36 lb 18.1 / 16.3 kg | 61 / 56 lb 27.7 / 25.4 kg | 81 / 81 lb 36.7 / 36.7 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 26 / 20 lb 11.8 / 9.1 kg | 41 / 37 lb 18.6 / 16.8 kg | 62 / 57 lb 28.1 / 25.9 kg | 83 / 83 lb 37.6 / 37.6 kg |
Women’s Dumbbell Face Pull vs Cable Reverse Fly Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Dumbbell Face Pull; the second is Cable Reverse Fly. 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 | 8 / 7 lb 3.6 / 3.2 kg | 13 / 11 lb 5.9 / 5 kg | 20 / 18 lb 9.1 / 8.2 kg | 27 / 27 lb 12.2 / 12.2 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 9 / 7 lb 4.1 / 3.2 kg | 14 / 12 lb 6.4 / 5.4 kg | 21 / 20 lb 9.5 / 9.1 kg | 29 / 29 lb 13.2 / 13.2 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 9 / 8 lb 4.1 / 3.6 kg | 15 / 13 lb 6.8 / 5.9 kg | 22 / 21 lb 10 / 9.5 kg | 31 / 31 lb 14.1 / 14.1 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 10 / 8 lb 4.5 / 3.6 kg | 15 / 14 lb 6.8 / 6.4 kg | 24 / 22 lb 10.9 / 10 kg | 33 / 33 lb 15 / 15 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 11 / 9 lb 5 / 4.1 kg | 16 / 14 lb 7.3 / 6.4 kg | 25 / 23 lb 11.3 / 10.4 kg | 34 / 34 lb 15.4 / 15.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 11 / 9 lb 5 / 4.1 kg | 17 / 15 lb 7.7 / 6.8 kg | 26 / 24 lb 11.8 / 10.9 kg | 36 / 36 lb 16.3 / 16.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 11 / 9 lb 5 / 4.1 kg | 18 / 16 lb 8.2 / 7.3 kg | 27 / 25 lb 12.2 / 11.3 kg | 38 / 38 lb 17.2 / 17.2 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 12 / 10 lb 5.4 / 4.5 kg | 18 / 16 lb 8.2 / 7.3 kg | 28 / 26 lb 12.7 / 11.8 kg | 39 / 39 lb 17.7 / 17.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 12 / 10 lb 5.4 / 4.5 kg | 19 / 17 lb 8.6 / 7.7 kg | 29 / 27 lb 13.2 / 12.2 kg | 41 / 41 lb 18.6 / 18.6 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 13 / 11 lb 5.9 / 5 kg | 20 / 18 lb 9.1 / 8.2 kg | 30 / 28 lb 13.6 / 12.7 kg | 42 / 42 lb 19.1 / 19.1 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 13 / 11 lb 5.9 / 5 kg | 21 / 18 lb 9.5 / 8.2 kg | 31 / 29 lb 14.1 / 13.2 kg | 44 / 44 lb 20 / 20 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 14 / 11 lb 6.4 / 5 kg | 21 / 19 lb 9.5 / 8.6 kg | 33 / 30 lb 15 / 13.6 kg | 45 / 45 lb 20.4 / 20.4 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 14 / 12 lb 6.4 / 5.4 kg | 22 / 19 lb 10 / 8.6 kg | 34 / 31 lb 15.4 / 14.1 kg | 46 / 46 lb 20.9 / 20.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 15 / 12 lb 6.8 / 5.4 kg | 23 / 20 lb 10.4 / 9.1 kg | 35 / 32 lb 15.9 / 14.5 kg | 48 / 48 lb 21.8 / 21.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 15 / 12 lb 6.8 / 5.4 kg | 23 / 21 lb 10.4 / 9.5 kg | 36 / 33 lb 16.3 / 15 kg | 49 / 49 lb 22.2 / 22.2 kg |
How Your Dumbbell Face Pull vs Cable Reverse Fly 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 face pull strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Dumbbell Face 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 cable reverse fly strength level
The standards use the sex-specific targets from the individual Cable Reverse Fly 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 dumbbell face pull | Use the canonical estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the approved two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the cable reverse fly | Adjust cable reverse fly 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 Dumbbell Face Pull and Cable Reverse Fly 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 cable reverse fly standard is higher; below zero means the dumbbell face 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 dumbbell face pull and cable reverse fly standards are within 3 lb at 120 lb, 130 lb, and 150 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced at every displayed bodyweight.
0 → 0 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the cable reverse fly standard minus the dumbbell face pull standard. A plus sign means the cable reverse fly standard is higher. A minus sign means the dumbbell face pull standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −4 lb −1.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
How Women’s Dumbbell Face Pull and Cable Reverse Fly Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The dumbbell face pull and cable reverse fly standards are within 3 lb at 100 lb, 110 lb, 120 lb, 130 lb, 140 lb, 150 lb, 160 lb, 170 lb, 180 lb, 190 lb, 200 lb, 210 lb, 220 lb, 230 lb, and 240 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced at every displayed bodyweight.
0 → 0 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the cable reverse fly standard minus the dumbbell face pull standard. A plus sign means the cable reverse fly standard is higher. A minus sign means the dumbbell face pull standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | −1 lb −0.4 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −1 kg | −1 lb −0.4 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −1 lb −0.5 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −1 lb −0.5 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −1 lb −0.4 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −1 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −2 lb −1 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg |
Dumbbell Face Pull and Cable Reverse Fly Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict dumbbell face pull test and a strict cable reverse fly. Use strict canonical Dumbbell Face Pull and Cable Reverse Fly tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use the canonical Dumbbell Face Pull setup and load convention
the combined weight of both matched dumbbells strict paired-dumbbell face pull reps pull both dumbbells toward the face or upper-chest line with elbows high, control the shoulder position, and lower without low-row drift, shrugging, or swinging Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set No substituted exercise or assisted reps
Use a strict, repeatable Cable Reverse Fly
Use a strict, repeatable Cable Reverse Fly set through the full canonical range of motion. Enter displayed machine or stack weight. Keep the same equipment and setup when retesting.
Enter one recent Dumbbell Face Pull result and one recent Cable Reverse Fly result
Use each exercise’s canonical input: Total external load for Dumbbell Face Pull and Displayed machine or stack weight for Cable Reverse Fly.
Related Tools
- Dumbbell Face Pull — View the individual Dumbbell Face Pull standards and next strength-level target.
- Cable Reverse Fly — View the individual Cable Reverse Fly standards and next strength-level target.
- Face Pull — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Reverse Fly — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Machine Reverse Fly — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Bench Pull — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.