Kettlebell Clean vs Axle Back Squat
Compare your kettlebell clean and axle back squat against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Add a recent 1–12-rep result for each lift to compare estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
First lift: weight used and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: weight used and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms. For the first exercise, clean one kettlebell from the floor or a consistent hang to a secure front rack without a press, curl, crash, two-hand assist, or high-pull-only finish. For the second exercise, descend under control until hip crease clearly below top of knee; no box/contact/bounce; stand to full hip/knee lockout with axle controlled. Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Kettlebell Clean vs Axle Back Squat Strength Standards
These bodyweight tables place the kettlebell clean and axle back squat targets side by side from Novice through Elite. Use them to compare standards, not to force a particular ratio between the lifts.
Find the closest row in the men’s or women’s table. Every target lists Kettlebell Clean / Axle Back Squat, pounds first and kilograms second. Enter your own sets above for exact ratings without testing a true one-rep max.
Men’s Kettlebell Clean vs Axle Back Squat Standards
How to read the table: Find the closest bodyweight, then use the labeled exercise row. Every strength-level entry shows one target with pounds first and kilograms beneath it.
| Bodyweight | Exercise | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb54.4 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 50 lb22.7 kg | 76 lb34.5 kg | 106 lb48.1 kg | 137 lb62.1 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 239 lb108.4 kg | 271 lb122.9 kg | 306 lb138.8 kg | 338 lb153.3 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 53 lb24 kg | 80 lb36.3 kg | 112 lb50.8 kg | 144 lb65.3 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 252 lb114.3 kg | 286 lb129.7 kg | 323 lb146.5 kg | 356 lb161.5 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 55 lb24.9 kg | 84 lb38.1 kg | 117 lb53.1 kg | 152 lb68.9 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 264 lb119.7 kg | 300 lb136.1 kg | 339 lb153.8 kg | 374 lb169.6 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 58 lb26.3 kg | 88 lb39.9 kg | 123 lb55.8 kg | 159 lb72.1 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 277 lb125.6 kg | 314 lb142.4 kg | 355 lb161 kg | 392 lb177.8 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 61 lb27.7 kg | 92 lb41.7 kg | 128 lb58.1 kg | 166 lb75.3 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 289 lb131.1 kg | 328 lb148.8 kg | 371 lb168.3 kg | 409 lb185.5 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 63 lb28.6 kg | 96 lb43.5 kg | 134 lb60.8 kg | 173 lb78.5 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 301 lb136.5 kg | 342 lb155.1 kg | 386 lb175.1 kg | 426 lb193.2 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 66 lb29.9 kg | 99 lb44.9 kg | 139 lb63 kg | 179 lb81.2 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 313 lb142 kg | 355 lb161 kg | 401 lb181.9 kg | 443 lb200.9 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 68 lb30.8 kg | 103 lb46.7 kg | 144 lb65.3 kg | 186 lb84.4 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 324 lb147 kg | 368 lb166.9 kg | 416 lb188.7 kg | 459 lb208.2 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 70 lb31.8 kg | 107 lb48.5 kg | 149 lb67.6 kg | 192 lb87.1 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 335 lb152 kg | 381 lb172.8 kg | 430 lb195 kg | 475 lb215.5 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 73 lb33.1 kg | 110 lb49.9 kg | 154 lb69.9 kg | 199 lb90.3 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 346 lb156.9 kg | 393 lb178.3 kg | 445 lb201.8 kg | 491 lb222.7 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 75 lb34 kg | 114 lb51.7 kg | 159 lb72.1 kg | 205 lb93 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 357 lb161.9 kg | 406 lb184.2 kg | 459 lb208.2 kg | 506 lb229.5 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 77 lb34.9 kg | 117 lb53.1 kg | 164 lb74.4 kg | 211 lb95.7 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 368 lb166.9 kg | 418 lb189.6 kg | 473 lb214.5 kg | 521 lb236.3 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 79 lb35.8 kg | 120 lb54.4 kg | 168 lb76.2 kg | 217 lb98.4 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 379 lb171.9 kg | 430 lb195 kg | 486 lb220.4 kg | 536 lb243.1 kg | |
| 250 lb113.4 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 82 lb37.2 kg | 124 lb56.2 kg | 173 lb78.5 kg | 223 lb101.2 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 389 lb176.4 kg | 442 lb200.5 kg | 500 lb226.8 kg | 551 lb249.9 kg | |
| 260 lb117.9 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 84 lb38.1 kg | 127 lb57.6 kg | 177 lb80.3 kg | 229 lb103.9 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 399 lb181 kg | 454 lb205.9 kg | 513 lb232.7 kg | 566 lb256.7 kg | |
| 270 lb122.5 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 86 lb39 kg | 130 lb59 kg | 182 lb82.6 kg | 235 lb106.6 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 410 lb186 kg | 465 lb210.9 kg | 526 lb238.6 kg | 580 lb263.1 kg | |
| 280 lb127 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 88 lb39.9 kg | 133 lb60.3 kg | 186 lb84.4 kg | 241 lb109.3 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 420 lb190.5 kg | 477 lb216.4 kg | 539 lb244.5 kg | 594 lb269.4 kg | |
| 290 lb131.5 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 90 lb40.8 kg | 137 lb62.1 kg | 191 lb86.6 kg | 247 lb112 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 430 lb195 kg | 488 lb221.4 kg | 551 lb249.9 kg | 608 lb275.8 kg | |
| 300 lb136.1 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 92 lb41.7 kg | 140 lb63.5 kg | 195 lb88.5 kg | 252 lb114.3 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 439 lb199.1 kg | 499 lb226.3 kg | 564 lb255.8 kg | 622 lb282.1 kg |
Women’s Kettlebell Clean vs Axle Back Squat Standards
How to read the table: Find the closest bodyweight, then use the labeled exercise row. Every strength-level entry shows one target with pounds first and kilograms beneath it.
| Bodyweight | Exercise | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb45.4 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 27 lb12.2 kg | 43 lb19.5 kg | 64 lb29 kg | 85 lb38.6 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 140 lb63.5 kg | 163 lb73.9 kg | 192 lb87.1 kg | 214 lb97.1 kg | |
| 110 lb49.9 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 29 lb13.2 kg | 46 lb20.9 kg | 68 lb30.8 kg | 90 lb40.8 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 149 lb67.6 kg | 173 lb78.5 kg | 205 lb93 kg | 229 lb103.9 kg | |
| 120 lb54.4 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 31 lb14.1 kg | 49 lb22.2 kg | 72 lb32.7 kg | 96 lb43.5 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 158 lb71.7 kg | 184 lb83.5 kg | 217 lb98.4 kg | 242 lb109.8 kg | |
| 130 lb59 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 33 lb15 kg | 52 lb23.6 kg | 76 lb34.5 kg | 101 lb45.8 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 166 lb75.3 kg | 194 lb88 kg | 229 lb103.9 kg | 255 lb115.7 kg | |
| 140 lb63.5 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 34 lb15.4 kg | 54 lb24.5 kg | 80 lb36.3 kg | 106 lb48.1 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 175 lb79.4 kg | 203 lb92.1 kg | 241 lb109.3 kg | 268 lb121.6 kg | |
| 150 lb68 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 36 lb16.3 kg | 57 lb25.9 kg | 84 lb38.1 kg | 111 lb50.3 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 183 lb83 kg | 213 lb96.6 kg | 252 lb114.3 kg | 281 lb127.5 kg | |
| 160 lb72.6 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 38 lb17.2 kg | 60 lb27.2 kg | 88 lb39.9 kg | 116 lb52.6 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 191 lb86.6 kg | 222 lb100.7 kg | 263 lb119.3 kg | 293 lb132.9 kg | |
| 170 lb77.1 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 39 lb17.7 kg | 62 lb28.1 kg | 91 lb41.3 kg | 121 lb54.9 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 199 lb90.3 kg | 232 lb105.2 kg | 274 lb124.3 kg | 305 lb138.3 kg | |
| 180 lb81.6 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 41 lb18.6 kg | 64 lb29 kg | 95 lb43.1 kg | 125 lb56.7 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 207 lb93.9 kg | 241 lb109.3 kg | 285 lb129.3 kg | 317 lb143.8 kg | |
| 190 lb86.2 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 42 lb19.1 kg | 67 lb30.4 kg | 98 lb44.5 kg | 130 lb59 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 214 lb97.1 kg | 249 lb112.9 kg | 295 lb133.8 kg | 329 lb149.2 kg | |
| 200 lb90.7 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 44 lb20 kg | 69 lb31.3 kg | 102 lb46.3 kg | 134 lb60.8 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 222 lb100.7 kg | 258 lb117 kg | 305 lb138.3 kg | 340 lb154.2 kg | |
| 210 lb95.3 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 45 lb20.4 kg | 71 lb32.2 kg | 105 lb47.6 kg | 139 lb63 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 229 lb103.9 kg | 267 lb121.1 kg | 315 lb142.9 kg | 352 lb159.7 kg | |
| 220 lb99.8 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 46 lb20.9 kg | 74 lb33.6 kg | 108 lb49 kg | 143 lb64.9 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 236 lb107 kg | 275 lb124.7 kg | 325 lb147.4 kg | 363 lb164.7 kg | |
| 230 lb104.3 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 48 lb21.8 kg | 76 lb34.5 kg | 112 lb50.8 kg | 148 lb67.1 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 243 lb110.2 kg | 283 lb128.4 kg | 335 lb152 kg | 374 lb169.6 kg | |
| 240 lb108.9 kg | Kettlebell Clean | 49 lb22.2 kg | 78 lb35.4 kg | 115 lb52.2 kg | 152 lb68.9 kg |
| Axle Back Squat | 250 lb113.4 kg | 291 lb132 kg | 345 lb156.5 kg | 384 lb174.2 kg |
How Your Kettlebell Clean vs Axle Back Squat Result Is Calculated
The calculator estimates both one-rep maxes, rates each one against its exercise and bodyweight standards, and then compares the two ratings.
1. Estimate a one-rep max from each set
A one-rep set uses the entered weight. For 2–12 reps, both formulas are calculated and the lower estimate is retained.
- Epley: weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30)
- Brzycki: weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps)
Use recent Kettlebell Clean and Axle Back Squat sets with consistent technique and full intended range of motion. Difficult lower-rep sets generally make the estimated max less dependent on extrapolation.
2. Find the kettlebell clean strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Kettlebell Clean tool. Targets begin at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women, then adjust to exact bodyweight with reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
Two-thirds scaling raises the target as bodyweight rises while limiting the size advantage that a direct one-to-one adjustment would create.
3. Find the axle back squat strength level
The axle back squat rating uses its sex-specific exercise standards. Reference targets at 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women are scaled to the entered bodyweight by reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.
Two-thirds scaling raises the target as bodyweight rises while limiting the size advantage that a direct one-to-one adjustment would create.
4. Compare the two results
Strength level decides the comparison first. Matching levels remain Balanced unless progress toward the next target differs by at least 10 points.
A priority result is a standards comparison, not a diagnosis. Differences in technique, fatigue, practice, or set effort may influence it. Age range is recorded anonymously and does not alter these 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 kettlebell clean | Use the exercise-specific estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds scaling rule. |
| Rate the axle back squat | Use the exercise-specific estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds scaling 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. |
Enter both sets above to see the estimated maxes, assigned levels, next-level targets, and comparison result.
How Men’s Kettlebell Clean and Axle Back Squat Standards Differ
What the men’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 120 lb.
The higher target remains with Axle Back Squat for Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite throughout the table.
Across 120–300 lb bodyweight, the Elite gap changes from 91.2 to 167.8 kg.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Axle Back Squat standard minus the Kettlebell Clean standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Axle Back Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Kettlebell Clean standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.
Line chart loading. The standards tables above contain the exact pounds and kilograms.
How Women’s Kettlebell Clean and Axle Back Squat Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
At Elite, the difference is 58.5 kg at 100 lb and 105.3 kg at 240 lb.
How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Axle Back Squat standard minus the Kettlebell Clean standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Axle Back Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Kettlebell Clean standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.
Line chart loading. The standards tables above contain the exact pounds and kilograms.
Kettlebell Clean and Axle Back Squat Exercises Used by This Calculator
For a useful comparison, perform a strict kettlebell clean and a strict axle back squat using the setup and load rules below. Use strict, repeatable Kettlebell Clean and Axle Back Squat tests that follow each exercise’s setup, range of motion, equipment, and load rules. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use the Kettlebell Clean setup and load convention
One kettlebell cleaned by one arm at a time. Total valid reps across both arms combined. Clean one kettlebell from the floor or a consistent hang to a secure front rack without a press, curl, crash, two-hand assist, or high-pull-only finish. Consistent setup, range, and finish quality across the entered set. No substituted exercise or assisted reps.
Use the Axle Back Squat setup and load convention
Confirm Rogue Axle: 25 lb, 84 in, 1.9 in outside diameter, non-rotating powder-coated shaft. Place shaft centered on upper trapezius below C7 and above posterior-deltoid shelf; pronated index-finger centers exactly 81.0 cm apart, measured/marked. Unrack standing; stable stance chosen before rep and unchanged across set. Descend under control until hip crease clearly below top of knee; no box/contact/bounce; stand to full hip/knee lockout with axle controlled. Total weight includes axle/plates; whole reps 1–10. Spotter protects only; no assistance. Allowed: exact axle, plates, axle collars, rack, belt, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, chalk, shoes.
Enter one recent Kettlebell Clean result and one recent Axle Back Squat result
First lift: weight used and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: weight used and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms.
Related Tools
- Kettlebell Clean — View the individual Kettlebell Clean standards and next strength-level target.
- Axle Back Squat — View the individual Axle Back Squat standards and next strength-level target.
- Hang Clean (Dumbbell) — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell High Pull — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Snatch — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Kettlebell Swing — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.