Horizontal Leg Press vs Leg Extension Strength Standards
Compare your horizontal leg press and leg extension against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Enter 1–12 reps for estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
Enter the canonical working weight and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Testing: a strict bilateral horizontal leg press with the back, hips, and pelvis against the pads, a controlled bottom position, and controlled full extension or safe near-lockout; a strict bilateral leg extension on one dedicated machine with stable hips and torso, a controlled flexed-knee start, near-straight finish, and controlled return. Pounds or kilograms. Heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Horizontal Leg Press vs Leg Extension Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the horizontal leg press 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 horizontal leg press 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 Horizontal Leg Press / 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 Horizontal Leg Press vs Leg Extension Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Horizontal Leg Press; 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 | 133 / 49 lb 60.3 / 22.2 kg | 210 / 77 lb 95.3 / 34.9 kg | 294 / 109 lb 133.4 / 49.4 kg | 378 / 143 lb 171.5 / 64.9 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 141 / 52 lb 64 / 23.6 kg | 221 / 82 lb 100.2 / 37.2 kg | 310 / 115 lb 140.6 / 52.2 kg | 398 / 151 lb 180.5 / 68.5 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 148 / 55 lb 67.1 / 24.9 kg | 233 / 86 lb 105.7 / 39 kg | 326 / 121 lb 147.9 / 54.9 kg | 419 / 158 lb 190.1 / 71.7 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 155 / 57 lb 70.3 / 25.9 kg | 243 / 90 lb 110.2 / 40.8 kg | 341 / 126 lb 154.7 / 57.2 kg | 438 / 166 lb 198.7 / 75.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 161 / 60 lb 73 / 27.2 kg | 254 / 94 lb 115.2 / 42.6 kg | 356 / 132 lb 161.5 / 59.9 kg | 457 / 173 lb 207.3 / 78.5 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 168 / 62 lb 76.2 / 28.1 kg | 265 / 97 lb 120.2 / 44 kg | 370 / 137 lb 167.8 / 62.1 kg | 476 / 180 lb 215.9 / 81.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 175 / 65 lb 79.4 / 29.5 kg | 275 / 101 lb 124.7 / 45.8 kg | 385 / 143 lb 174.6 / 64.9 kg | 495 / 187 lb 224.5 / 84.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 181 / 67 lb 82.1 / 30.4 kg | 285 / 105 lb 129.3 / 47.6 kg | 399 / 148 lb 181 / 67.1 kg | 513 / 194 lb 232.7 / 88 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 187 / 69 lb 84.8 / 31.3 kg | 295 / 109 lb 133.8 / 49.4 kg | 413 / 153 lb 187.3 / 69.4 kg | 531 / 201 lb 240.9 / 91.2 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 193 / 72 lb 87.5 / 32.7 kg | 305 / 112 lb 138.3 / 50.8 kg | 427 / 158 lb 193.7 / 71.7 kg | 548 / 207 lb 248.6 / 93.9 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 200 / 74 lb 90.7 / 33.6 kg | 314 / 116 lb 142.4 / 52.6 kg | 440 / 163 lb 199.6 / 73.9 kg | 566 / 214 lb 256.7 / 97.1 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 206 / 76 lb 93.4 / 34.5 kg | 324 / 119 lb 147 / 54 kg | 453 / 168 lb 205.5 / 76.2 kg | 583 / 220 lb 264.4 / 99.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 212 / 78 lb 96.2 / 35.4 kg | 333 / 123 lb 151 / 55.8 kg | 466 / 173 lb 211.4 / 78.5 kg | 599 / 227 lb 271.7 / 103 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 217 / 80 lb 98.4 / 36.3 kg | 342 / 126 lb 155.1 / 57.2 kg | 479 / 178 lb 217.3 / 80.7 kg | 616 / 233 lb 279.4 / 105.7 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 223 / 83 lb 101.2 / 37.6 kg | 351 / 129 lb 159.2 / 58.5 kg | 492 / 182 lb 223.2 / 82.6 kg | 632 / 239 lb 286.7 / 108.4 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 229 / 85 lb 103.9 / 38.6 kg | 360 / 133 lb 163.3 / 60.3 kg | 504 / 187 lb 228.6 / 84.8 kg | 648 / 245 lb 293.9 / 111.1 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 234 / 87 lb 106.1 / 39.5 kg | 369 / 136 lb 167.4 / 61.7 kg | 517 / 192 lb 234.5 / 87.1 kg | 664 / 251 lb 301.2 / 113.9 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 240 / 89 lb 108.9 / 40.4 kg | 378 / 139 lb 171.5 / 63 kg | 529 / 196 lb 240 / 88.9 kg | 680 / 257 lb 308.4 / 116.6 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 245 / 91 lb 111.1 / 41.3 kg | 386 / 142 lb 175.1 / 64.4 kg | 541 / 201 lb 245.4 / 91.2 kg | 696 / 263 lb 315.7 / 119.3 kg |
Women’s Horizontal Leg Press vs Leg Extension Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Horizontal Leg Press; 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 | 86 / 29 lb 39 / 13.2 kg | 132 / 46 lb 59.9 / 20.9 kg | 189 / 69 lb 85.7 / 31.3 kg | 246 / 89 lb 111.6 / 40.4 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 92 / 31 lb 41.7 / 14.1 kg | 141 / 49 lb 64 / 22.2 kg | 202 / 73 lb 91.6 / 33.1 kg | 263 / 95 lb 119.3 / 43.1 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 97 / 33 lb 44 / 15 kg | 149 / 52 lb 67.6 / 23.6 kg | 214 / 78 lb 97.1 / 35.4 kg | 278 / 101 lb 126.1 / 45.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 103 / 35 lb 46.7 / 15.9 kg | 157 / 55 lb 71.2 / 24.9 kg | 225 / 82 lb 102.1 / 37.2 kg | 294 / 106 lb 133.4 / 48.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 108 / 36 lb 49 / 16.3 kg | 165 / 57 lb 74.8 / 25.9 kg | 237 / 86 lb 107.5 / 39 kg | 308 / 112 lb 139.7 / 50.8 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 113 / 38 lb 51.3 / 17.2 kg | 173 / 60 lb 78.5 / 27.2 kg | 248 / 90 lb 112.5 / 40.8 kg | 323 / 117 lb 146.5 / 53.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 118 / 40 lb 53.5 / 18.1 kg | 181 / 63 lb 82.1 / 28.6 kg | 259 / 94 lb 117.5 / 42.6 kg | 337 / 122 lb 152.9 / 55.3 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 123 / 41 lb 55.8 / 18.6 kg | 188 / 65 lb 85.3 / 29.5 kg | 270 / 98 lb 122.5 / 44.5 kg | 351 / 127 lb 159.2 / 57.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 128 / 43 lb 58.1 / 19.5 kg | 195 / 68 lb 88.5 / 30.8 kg | 280 / 102 lb 127 / 46.3 kg | 365 / 132 lb 165.6 / 59.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 132 / 44 lb 59.9 / 20 kg | 203 / 70 lb 92.1 / 31.8 kg | 290 / 105 lb 131.5 / 47.6 kg | 378 / 137 lb 171.5 / 62.1 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 137 / 46 lb 62.1 / 20.9 kg | 210 / 73 lb 95.3 / 33.1 kg | 300 / 109 lb 136.1 / 49.4 kg | 391 / 142 lb 177.4 / 64.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 141 / 48 lb 64 / 21.8 kg | 217 / 75 lb 98.4 / 34 kg | 310 / 113 lb 140.6 / 51.3 kg | 404 / 146 lb 183.3 / 66.2 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 146 / 49 lb 66.2 / 22.2 kg | 223 / 77 lb 101.2 / 34.9 kg | 320 / 116 lb 145.1 / 52.6 kg | 417 / 151 lb 189.1 / 68.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 150 / 51 lb 68 / 23.1 kg | 230 / 80 lb 104.3 / 36.3 kg | 330 / 120 lb 149.7 / 54.4 kg | 429 / 156 lb 194.6 / 70.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 155 / 52 lb 70.3 / 23.6 kg | 237 / 82 lb 107.5 / 37.2 kg | 339 / 123 lb 153.8 / 55.8 kg | 442 / 160 lb 200.5 / 72.6 kg |
How Your Horizontal Leg Press 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 horizontal leg press strength level
The horizontal leg press standards use the sex-specific standards from the individual Horizontal Leg Press 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 press more displayed resistance without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the leg extension strength level
The leg extension standards use the sex-specific standards 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 extend more displayed resistance 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 horizontal leg press | Adjust horizontal leg press 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 Horizontal Leg Press 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 horizontal leg press 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.
106.6 → 196.4 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the leg extension standard minus the horizontal leg press standard. A plus sign means the leg extension standard is higher. A minus sign means the horizontal leg press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −84 lb −38.1 kg | −133 lb −60.4 kg | −185 lb −84 kg | −235 lb −106.6 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −89 lb −40.4 kg | −139 lb −63 kg | −195 lb −88.4 kg | −247 lb −112 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −93 lb −42.2 kg | −147 lb −66.7 kg | −205 lb −93 kg | −261 lb −118.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −98 lb −44.4 kg | −153 lb −69.4 kg | −215 lb −97.5 kg | −272 lb −123.4 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −101 lb −45.8 kg | −160 lb −72.6 kg | −224 lb −101.6 kg | −284 lb −128.8 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −106 lb −48.1 kg | −168 lb −76.2 kg | −233 lb −105.7 kg | −296 lb −134.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −110 lb −49.9 kg | −174 lb −78.9 kg | −242 lb −109.7 kg | −308 lb −139.7 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −114 lb −51.7 kg | −180 lb −81.7 kg | −251 lb −113.9 kg | −319 lb −144.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −118 lb −53.5 kg | −186 lb −84.4 kg | −260 lb −117.9 kg | −330 lb −149.7 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −121 lb −54.8 kg | −193 lb −87.5 kg | −269 lb −122 kg | −341 lb −154.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −126 lb −57.1 kg | −198 lb −89.8 kg | −277 lb −125.7 kg | −352 lb −159.6 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −130 lb −58.9 kg | −205 lb −93 kg | −285 lb −129.3 kg | −363 lb −164.6 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −134 lb −60.8 kg | −210 lb −95.2 kg | −293 lb −132.9 kg | −372 lb −168.7 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | −137 lb −62.1 kg | −216 lb −97.9 kg | −301 lb −136.6 kg | −383 lb −173.7 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | −140 lb −63.6 kg | −222 lb −100.7 kg | −310 lb −140.6 kg | −393 lb −178.3 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | −144 lb −65.3 kg | −227 lb −103 kg | −317 lb −143.8 kg | −403 lb −182.8 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | −147 lb −66.6 kg | −233 lb −105.7 kg | −325 lb −147.4 kg | −413 lb −187.3 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | −151 lb −68.5 kg | −239 lb −108.5 kg | −333 lb −151.1 kg | −423 lb −191.8 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | −154 lb −69.8 kg | −244 lb −110.7 kg | −340 lb −154.2 kg | −433 lb −196.4 kg |
How Women’s Horizontal Leg Press 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.
71.2 → 127.9 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the leg extension standard minus the horizontal leg press standard. A plus sign means the leg extension standard is higher. A minus sign means the horizontal leg press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | −57 lb −25.8 kg | −86 lb −39 kg | −120 lb −54.4 kg | −157 lb −71.2 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | −61 lb −27.6 kg | −92 lb −41.8 kg | −129 lb −58.5 kg | −168 lb −76.2 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −64 lb −29 kg | −97 lb −44 kg | −136 lb −61.7 kg | −177 lb −80.3 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −68 lb −30.8 kg | −102 lb −46.3 kg | −143 lb −64.9 kg | −188 lb −85.3 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −72 lb −32.7 kg | −108 lb −48.9 kg | −151 lb −68.5 kg | −196 lb −88.9 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −75 lb −34.1 kg | −113 lb −51.3 kg | −158 lb −71.7 kg | −206 lb −93.4 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −78 lb −35.4 kg | −118 lb −53.5 kg | −165 lb −74.9 kg | −215 lb −97.6 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −82 lb −37.2 kg | −123 lb −55.8 kg | −172 lb −78 kg | −224 lb −101.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −85 lb −38.6 kg | −127 lb −57.7 kg | −178 lb −80.7 kg | −233 lb −105.7 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −88 lb −39.9 kg | −133 lb −60.3 kg | −185 lb −83.9 kg | −241 lb −109.4 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −91 lb −41.2 kg | −137 lb −62.2 kg | −191 lb −86.7 kg | −249 lb −113 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −93 lb −42.2 kg | −142 lb −64.4 kg | −197 lb −89.3 kg | −258 lb −117.1 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −97 lb −44 kg | −146 lb −66.3 kg | −204 lb −92.5 kg | −266 lb −120.6 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −99 lb −44.9 kg | −150 lb −68 kg | −210 lb −95.3 kg | −273 lb −123.8 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −103 lb −46.7 kg | −155 lb −70.3 kg | −216 lb −98 kg | −282 lb −127.9 kg |
Horizontal Leg Press and Leg Extension Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a bilateral horizontal machine leg press and a bilateral machine leg extension. Use strict canonical Horizontal Leg Press and Leg Extension tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use a strict horizontal leg press
Use the same horizontal machine, seat, stance, and range. Keep the back, hips, and pelvis against the pads, press from a controlled bottom depth to a controlled top position, and return without bouncing. Do not enter a 45-degree sled, vertical press, hack squat, single-leg rep, calf press, partial rep, or bodyweight-added load.
Use a strict bilateral leg extension
Use both legs on the same dedicated machine and setup. Keep the hips, thighs, and torso stable, extend from a controlled flexed-knee start to a near-straight finish, and return under control. Do not enter per-leg load, a single-leg rep, partial pulse, bounced stack, cable or band extension, squat, or leg press.
Enter one recent Horizontal Leg Press result and one recent Leg Extension result
Enter the canonical working weight and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed.
Related Tools
- Horizontal Leg Press — View the individual Horizontal Leg Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Leg Extension — View the individual Leg Extension standards and next strength-level target.
- Leg Press (45° Sled) — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Machine Hack Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Front Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Back Squat (High-Bar, Full Depth) — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.