Leg Press (45° Sled) vs Axle Back Squat Strength Standards

Leg Press vs Axle Back Squat Strength Standards

Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the 45-degree leg press and axle back squat to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. The numbers are calculator targets, not a required gap between the two lifts.

Choose the men’s or women’s table, find the closest bodyweight row, and read across to Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Elite. Each entry shows Leg Press / Axle Back Squat, with pounds above kilograms. Use the calculator for your exact bodyweight and recent sets.

Men’s Leg Press 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.

Women’s Leg Press 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.

How Your Leg Press vs Axle Back Squat Result Is Calculated

The comparison starts by estimating each max separately. It then rates both lifts against their own standards before identifying the lower result.

1. Estimate a one-rep max from each set

The entered weight is used directly for one rep. With 2–12 reps, both estimates are compared and the lower value is used.

• Epley: weight × (1 + reps ÷ 30)
• Brzycki: weight × 36 ÷ (37 − reps)

For the most useful Leg Press vs Axle Back Squat comparison, enter clean, difficult sets performed with the same technique and range of motion you use in training. Lower-rep sets usually require less extrapolation.

2. Find the 45-degree leg press strength level

The 45-degree leg press 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.

This adjustment expects larger lifters to move more weight, but it does not increase the target pound for pound with bodyweight.

3. Find the axle back squat strength level

For axle back squat, the individual exercise thresholds start from reference bodyweights of 190 lb for men and 150 lb for women. Exact-bodyweight targets use reference target × (user bodyweight ÷ reference bodyweight) to the two-thirds power.

This adjustment expects larger lifters to move more weight, but it does not increase the target pound for pound with bodyweight.

4. Compare the two results

The lift with the lower Beginner-to-Elite rating is the priority. If both ratings match, the calculator requires a 10-point difference in next-level progress before naming a priority; otherwise it reports Balanced.

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.

Enter both sets above to see the estimated maxes, assigned levels, next-level targets, and comparison result.

How Men’s Leg Press and Axle Back Squat Standards Differ

How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Axle Back Squat standard minus the Leg Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Axle Back Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Leg Press standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.

How Women’s Leg Press and Axle Back Squat Standards Differ

How to read this chart: Choose a strength level and follow its line across bodyweight. Values show the Axle Back Squat standard minus the Leg Press standard: zero means equal, above zero means the Axle Back Squat standard is higher, and below zero means the Leg Press standard is higher. Swipe horizontally on mobile. Use the standards table for exact lb/kg targets.

Leg Press and Axle Back Squat Exercises Used by This Calculator

For a useful comparison, perform a strict 45-degree leg press and a strict axle back squat using the setup and load rules below. Use strict, repeatable Leg Press 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 a 45-degree plate-loaded sled leg press

Keep both feet flat and approximately shoulder-width, descend until the thighs reach at least parallel to the platform without lifting the hips or rounding the lower back, and press to controlled full knee extension. Do not enter a horizontal, vertical, selectorized, single-leg, high-foot, partial, bounced, or assisted press.

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 Leg Press result and one recent Axle Back Squat result

First lift: total plates loaded on the 45-degree sled and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: weight used and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms.

Related Tools

• Leg Press (45° Sled) — View the individual Leg Press standards and next strength-level target.
• Axle Back Squat — View the individual Axle Back Squat standards and next strength-level target.
• Barbell Front Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Machine Hack Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Safety Bar Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Barbell Sumo Squat — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.