Pendulum Squat vs V Squat Machine Strength Standards

Pendulum Squat vs V Squat Machine Strength Standards by Bodyweight

Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the pendulum squat and v squat machine to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your pendulum squat and v squat machine.

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 Pendulum Squat / V Squat Machine, 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 Pendulum Squat vs V Squat Machine Standards

How to read the table: The first number is Pendulum Squat; the second is V Squat Machine. Each number is the lowest estimated one-rep max needed to reach that strength level. Scroll horizontally on smaller screens.

Women’s Pendulum Squat vs V Squat Machine Standards

How to read the table: The first number is Pendulum Squat; the second is V Squat Machine. Each number is the lowest estimated one-rep max needed to reach that strength level. Scroll horizontally on smaller screens.

How Your Pendulum Squat vs V Squat Machine 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 pendulum squat strength level

The standards use the sex-specific entered-machine-weight 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 move more machine weight without pound-for-pound scaling.

3. Find the v squat machine strength level

The standards use the sex-specific targets from the individual V Squat Machine 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.

Use the calculator above to see both estimated maxes, strength levels, the priority or Balanced result, and both next-level targets.

How Men’s Pendulum Squat and V Squat Machine 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 v squat machine standard is higher; below zero means the pendulum squat 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.

How to read the table: Every number is the v squat machine standard minus the pendulum squat standard. A plus sign means the v squat machine standard is higher. A minus sign means the pendulum squat standard is higher.

How Women’s Pendulum Squat and V Squat Machine Standards Differ

How to read the table: Every number is the v squat machine standard minus the pendulum squat standard. A plus sign means the v squat machine standard is higher. A minus sign means the pendulum squat standard is higher.

Pendulum Squat and V Squat Machine Exercises Used by This Calculator

This calculator uses a strict pendulum squat and a strict v squat machine. Use strict canonical Pendulum Squat and V Squat Machine tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.

Use one pendulum machine and consistent setup

Enter the tested machine weight, keep foot position and support setup consistent, reach the defined depth, and return to controlled full supported extension. Do not enter barbell, hack, V-squat, Smith, belt-squat, partial, bounced, stance-changed, or assisted reps.

Use a strict, repeatable V Squat Machine

Follow the individual V Squat Machine calculator’s canonical setup, load convention, range of motion, and finish rules. Keep the same setup when retesting.

Enter one recent Pendulum Squat result and one recent V Squat Machine result

Use each exercise’s canonical input: Entered machine weight for Pendulum Squat and Displayed machine or stack weight for V Squat Machine.

Related Tools

• Pendulum Squat — View the individual Pendulum Squat standards and next strength-level target.
• V Squat Machine — View the individual V Squat Machine standards and next strength-level target.
• Leverage Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Leg Press (45° Sled) — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Smith Machine Back Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
• Paused Front Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.