Dumbbell Fly vs Dumbbell Lateral Raise Strength Standards
Compare your dumbbell fly and dumbbell lateral raise against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Enter 1–12 reps for estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
Enter combined weight of both dumbbells for the fly and weight per dumbbell for the lateral raise. Testing: a bilateral flat dumbbell fly using two matched dumbbells, a controlled wide arc to chest level, stable shoulders, and consistent elbow angle; a bilateral dumbbell lateral raise with a stable upright torso, consistent elbow angle, both upper arms reaching at least shoulder height, and a controlled lowering phase. Pounds or kilograms. Heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Dumbbell Fly vs Dumbbell Lateral Raise Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the dumbbell fly and dumbbell lateral raise 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 fly and dumbbell lateral raise.
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 Fly / Dumbbell Lateral Raise, 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 Fly vs Dumbbell Lateral Raise Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Dumbbell Fly; the second is Dumbbell Lateral Raise. 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 / 11 lb 10 / 5 kg | 36 / 18 lb 16.3 / 8.2 kg | 59 / 28 lb 26.8 / 12.7 kg | 84 / 40 lb 38.1 / 18.1 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 23 / 12 lb 10.4 / 5.4 kg | 38 / 19 lb 17.2 / 8.6 kg | 62 / 30 lb 28.1 / 13.6 kg | 89 / 43 lb 40.4 / 19.5 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 24 / 12 lb 10.9 / 5.4 kg | 40 / 20 lb 18.1 / 9.1 kg | 65 / 31 lb 29.5 / 14.1 kg | 93 / 45 lb 42.2 / 20.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 26 / 13 lb 11.8 / 5.9 kg | 42 / 21 lb 19.1 / 9.5 kg | 68 / 32 lb 30.8 / 14.5 kg | 97 / 47 lb 44 / 21.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 27 / 13 lb 12.2 / 5.9 kg | 44 / 22 lb 20 / 10 kg | 71 / 34 lb 32.2 / 15.4 kg | 102 / 49 lb 46.3 / 22.2 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 28 / 14 lb 12.7 / 6.4 kg | 45 / 23 lb 20.4 / 10.4 kg | 74 / 35 lb 33.6 / 15.9 kg | 106 / 51 lb 48.1 / 23.1 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 29 / 14 lb 13.2 / 6.4 kg | 47 / 24 lb 21.3 / 10.9 kg | 77 / 37 lb 34.9 / 16.8 kg | 110 / 53 lb 49.9 / 24 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 30 / 15 lb 13.6 / 6.8 kg | 49 / 25 lb 22.2 / 11.3 kg | 80 / 38 lb 36.3 / 17.2 kg | 114 / 55 lb 51.7 / 24.9 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 31 / 16 lb 14.1 / 7.3 kg | 51 / 26 lb 23.1 / 11.8 kg | 83 / 39 lb 37.6 / 17.7 kg | 118 / 57 lb 53.5 / 25.9 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 32 / 16 lb 14.5 / 7.3 kg | 52 / 27 lb 23.6 / 12.2 kg | 86 / 41 lb 39 / 18.6 kg | 122 / 59 lb 55.3 / 26.8 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 33 / 17 lb 15 / 7.7 kg | 54 / 28 lb 24.5 / 12.7 kg | 88 / 42 lb 39.9 / 19.1 kg | 126 / 61 lb 57.2 / 27.7 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 34 / 17 lb 15.4 / 7.7 kg | 56 / 28 lb 25.4 / 12.7 kg | 91 / 43 lb 41.3 / 19.5 kg | 129 / 62 lb 58.5 / 28.1 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 35 / 18 lb 15.9 / 8.2 kg | 57 / 29 lb 25.9 / 13.2 kg | 93 / 44 lb 42.2 / 20 kg | 133 / 64 lb 60.3 / 29 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 36 / 18 lb 16.3 / 8.2 kg | 59 / 30 lb 26.8 / 13.6 kg | 96 / 46 lb 43.5 / 20.9 kg | 137 / 66 lb 62.1 / 29.9 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 37 / 18 lb 16.8 / 8.2 kg | 60 / 31 lb 27.2 / 14.1 kg | 99 / 47 lb 44.9 / 21.3 kg | 141 / 68 lb 64 / 30.8 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 38 / 19 lb 17.2 / 8.6 kg | 62 / 32 lb 28.1 / 14.5 kg | 101 / 48 lb 45.8 / 21.8 kg | 144 / 70 lb 65.3 / 31.8 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 39 / 19 lb 17.7 / 8.6 kg | 63 / 32 lb 28.6 / 14.5 kg | 104 / 49 lb 47.2 / 22.2 kg | 148 / 71 lb 67.1 / 32.2 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 40 / 20 lb 18.1 / 9.1 kg | 65 / 33 lb 29.5 / 15 kg | 106 / 50 lb 48.1 / 22.7 kg | 151 / 73 lb 68.5 / 33.1 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 41 / 20 lb 18.6 / 9.1 kg | 66 / 34 lb 29.9 / 15.4 kg | 108 / 52 lb 49 / 23.6 kg | 155 / 75 lb 70.3 / 34 kg |
Women’s Dumbbell Fly vs Dumbbell Lateral Raise Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Dumbbell Fly; the second is Dumbbell Lateral Raise. 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 | 9 / 7 lb 4.1 / 3.2 kg | 16 / 11 lb 7.3 / 5 kg | 27 / 18 lb 12.2 / 8.2 kg | 41 / 25 lb 18.6 / 11.3 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 10 / 7 lb 4.5 / 3.2 kg | 17 / 12 lb 7.7 / 5.4 kg | 29 / 19 lb 13.2 / 8.6 kg | 44 / 27 lb 20 / 12.2 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 10 / 8 lb 4.5 / 3.6 kg | 18 / 13 lb 8.2 / 5.9 kg | 31 / 20 lb 14.1 / 9.1 kg | 47 / 28 lb 21.3 / 12.7 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 11 / 8 lb 5 / 3.6 kg | 19 / 14 lb 8.6 / 6.4 kg | 33 / 21 lb 15 / 9.5 kg | 49 / 30 lb 22.2 / 13.6 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 11 / 9 lb 5 / 4.1 kg | 20 / 14 lb 9.1 / 6.4 kg | 34 / 22 lb 15.4 / 10 kg | 52 / 32 lb 23.6 / 14.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 12 / 9 lb 5.4 / 4.1 kg | 21 / 15 lb 9.5 / 6.8 kg | 36 / 23 lb 16.3 / 10.4 kg | 54 / 33 lb 24.5 / 15 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 13 / 9 lb 5.9 / 4.1 kg | 22 / 16 lb 10 / 7.3 kg | 38 / 24 lb 17.2 / 10.9 kg | 56 / 34 lb 25.4 / 15.4 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 13 / 10 lb 5.9 / 4.5 kg | 23 / 16 lb 10.4 / 7.3 kg | 39 / 25 lb 17.7 / 11.3 kg | 59 / 36 lb 26.8 / 16.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 14 / 10 lb 6.4 / 4.5 kg | 24 / 17 lb 10.9 / 7.7 kg | 41 / 26 lb 18.6 / 11.8 kg | 61 / 37 lb 27.7 / 16.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 14 / 11 lb 6.4 / 5 kg | 25 / 18 lb 11.3 / 8.2 kg | 42 / 27 lb 19.1 / 12.2 kg | 63 / 39 lb 28.6 / 17.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 15 / 11 lb 6.8 / 5 kg | 25 / 18 lb 11.3 / 8.2 kg | 44 / 28 lb 20 / 12.7 kg | 65 / 40 lb 29.5 / 18.1 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 15 / 11 lb 6.8 / 5 kg | 26 / 19 lb 11.8 / 8.6 kg | 45 / 29 lb 20.4 / 13.2 kg | 68 / 41 lb 30.8 / 18.6 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 15 / 12 lb 6.8 / 5.4 kg | 27 / 19 lb 12.2 / 8.6 kg | 46 / 30 lb 20.9 / 13.6 kg | 70 / 43 lb 31.8 / 19.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 16 / 12 lb 7.3 / 5.4 kg | 28 / 20 lb 12.7 / 9.1 kg | 48 / 31 lb 21.8 / 14.1 kg | 72 / 44 lb 32.7 / 20 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 16 / 12 lb 7.3 / 5.4 kg | 29 / 21 lb 13.2 / 9.5 kg | 49 / 31 lb 22.2 / 14.1 kg | 74 / 45 lb 33.6 / 20.4 kg |
How Your Dumbbell Fly vs Dumbbell Lateral Raise 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 fly strength level
The standards use the sex-specific combined-load thresholds from the individual 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 fly more load without pound-for-pound scaling.
3. Find the dumbbell lateral raise strength level
The standards use the sex-specific bilateral dumbbell lateral raise thresholds from the individual 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 calculator first treats the set as two matched dumbbells, while the target rises more slowly than bodyweight.
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 fly | Use combined-dumbbell estimated max and adjust targets with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the dumbbell lateral raise | Use two-dumbbell load 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. |
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 Fly and Dumbbell Lateral Raise 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 dumbbell lateral raise standard is higher; below zero means the dumbbell fly 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.
20 → 36.3 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the dumbbell lateral raise standard minus the dumbbell fly standard. A plus sign means the dumbbell lateral raise standard is higher. A minus sign means the dumbbell fly standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −18 lb −8.1 kg | −31 lb −14.1 kg | −44 lb −20 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg | −32 lb −14.5 kg | −46 lb −20.9 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −12 lb −5.5 kg | −20 lb −9 kg | −34 lb −15.4 kg | −48 lb −21.8 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −13 lb −5.9 kg | −21 lb −9.6 kg | −36 lb −16.3 kg | −50 lb −22.7 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −14 lb −6.3 kg | −22 lb −10 kg | −37 lb −16.8 kg | −53 lb −24.1 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −14 lb −6.3 kg | −22 lb −10 kg | −39 lb −17.7 kg | −55 lb −25 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −23 lb −10.4 kg | −40 lb −18.1 kg | −57 lb −25.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −24 lb −10.9 kg | −42 lb −19.1 kg | −59 lb −26.8 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −25 lb −11.3 kg | −44 lb −19.9 kg | −61 lb −27.6 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −16 lb −7.2 kg | −25 lb −11.4 kg | −45 lb −20.4 kg | −63 lb −28.5 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg | −26 lb −11.8 kg | −46 lb −20.8 kg | −65 lb −29.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −17 lb −7.7 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg | −48 lb −21.8 kg | −67 lb −30.4 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −17 lb −7.7 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg | −49 lb −22.2 kg | −69 lb −31.3 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | −18 lb −8.1 kg | −29 lb −13.2 kg | −50 lb −22.6 kg | −71 lb −32.2 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg | −29 lb −13.1 kg | −52 lb −23.6 kg | −73 lb −33.2 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg | −30 lb −13.6 kg | −53 lb −24 kg | −74 lb −33.5 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | −20 lb −9.1 kg | −31 lb −14.1 kg | −55 lb −25 kg | −77 lb −34.9 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | −20 lb −9 kg | −32 lb −14.5 kg | −56 lb −25.4 kg | −78 lb −35.4 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | −21 lb −9.5 kg | −32 lb −14.5 kg | −56 lb −25.4 kg | −80 lb −36.3 kg |
How Women’s Dumbbell Fly and Dumbbell Lateral Raise Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The dumbbell fly and dumbbell lateral raise standards are within 3 lb at 100 lb, 110 lb, 120 lb, 130 lb, 140 lb, 150 lb, 170 lb, 190 lb, and 220 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
7.3 → 13.2 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the dumbbell lateral raise standard minus the dumbbell fly standard. A plus sign means the dumbbell lateral raise standard is higher. A minus sign means the dumbbell fly standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −9 lb −4 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −10 lb −4.6 kg | −17 lb −7.8 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −5 lb −2.3 kg | −11 lb −5 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −5 lb −2.2 kg | −12 lb −5.5 kg | −19 lb −8.6 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −2 lb −0.9 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −12 lb −5.4 kg | −20 lb −9.1 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −3 lb −1.3 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −13 lb −5.9 kg | −21 lb −9.5 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −6 lb −2.7 kg | −14 lb −6.3 kg | −22 lb −10 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −7 lb −3.1 kg | −14 lb −6.4 kg | −23 lb −10.5 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −4 lb −1.9 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −15 lb −6.8 kg | −24 lb −10.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −7 lb −3.1 kg | −15 lb −6.9 kg | −24 lb −10.9 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −7 lb −3.1 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg | −25 lb −11.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −4 lb −1.8 kg | −7 lb −3.2 kg | −16 lb −7.2 kg | −27 lb −12.2 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −3 lb −1.4 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −16 lb −7.3 kg | −27 lb −12.3 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −4 lb −1.9 kg | −8 lb −3.6 kg | −17 lb −7.7 kg | −28 lb −12.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −4 lb −1.9 kg | −8 lb −3.7 kg | −18 lb −8.1 kg | −29 lb −13.2 kg |
Dumbbell Fly and Dumbbell Lateral Raise Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict bilateral dumbbell fly and a strict bilateral dumbbell lateral raise. Do not enter per-hand fly load, combined lateral-raise load, presses, fly-press hybrids, incline flyes, front raises, upright rows, bent-arm substitutions, torso swing, shrugging, partial, unilateral, or assisted reps.
Enter combined load from two matched dumbbells
Use a flat bench, stable shoulders and feet, a soft fixed elbow angle, and a controlled wide arc to chest level. Do not enter per-hand load, presses, fly-press hybrids, incline or decline flyes, bridging, bounced, partial, unilateral, or assisted reps.
Raise two matched dumbbells to shoulder height without momentum
Enter the weight of one dumbbell. Keep the torso upright and elbow angle consistent, raise both upper arms symmetrically to at least shoulder height, and lower under control. Do not enter combined pair weight, cable or machine raises, upright-row or front-raise hybrids, partial reps, swing reps, shrug-driven reps, or momentum-assisted reps.
Enter one recent dumbbell fly set and one recent dumbbell lateral raise set
Enter combined fly load, one-dumbbell lateral-raise load, and a whole number from 1 to 12 reps for each. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Use clean difficult bilateral sets with stable setup, consistent elbow angle, full range, and no momentum.
Related Tools
- Dumbbell Fly — View the individual Dumbbell Fly standards and next strength-level target.
- Dumbbell Lateral Raise — View the individual Dumbbell Lateral Raise standards and next strength-level target.
- Machine Chest Fly — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Cable Fly — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.