Seated Barbell Overhead Press vs Swiss Bar Overhead Press Strength Standards
Compare your seated barbell overhead press and swiss bar overhead press against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Test each lift with 1–12 strict reps to see estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
First lift: total barbell load and 1–12 strict reps. Second lift: weight used and 1–12 strict reps. Pounds or kilograms. For the first exercise, bar is pressed vertically overhead until elbows are fully extended at lockout. For the second exercise, complete strict swiss bar overhead press repetitions through full range with a stable setup, controlled weight, and no assistance. Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Seated Barbell Overhead Press vs Swiss Bar Overhead Press Strength Standards by Bodyweight
These bodyweight tables place the seated barbell overhead press and swiss bar overhead press 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 Seated Barbell Overhead Press / Swiss Bar Overhead Press, pounds first and kilograms second. Enter your own sets above for exact ratings without testing a true one-rep max.
Men’s Seated Barbell Overhead Press vs Swiss Bar Overhead Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Seated Barbell Overhead Press; the second is Swiss Bar Overhead Press. 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 | 56 / 56 lb 25.4 / 25.4 kg | 81 / 81 lb 36.7 / 36.7 kg | 98 / 109 lb 44.5 / 49.4 kg | 116 / 137 lb 52.6 / 62.1 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 59 / 59 lb 26.8 / 26.8 kg | 85 / 85 lb 38.6 / 38.6 kg | 103 / 115 lb 46.7 / 52.2 kg | 123 / 144 lb 55.8 / 65.3 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 62 / 62 lb 28.1 / 28.1 kg | 90 / 90 lb 40.8 / 40.8 kg | 109 / 121 lb 49.4 / 54.9 kg | 129 / 152 lb 58.5 / 68.9 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 65 / 65 lb 29.5 / 29.5 kg | 94 / 94 lb 42.6 / 42.6 kg | 114 / 126 lb 51.7 / 57.2 kg | 135 / 159 lb 61.2 / 72.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 68 / 68 lb 30.8 / 30.8 kg | 98 / 98 lb 44.5 / 44.5 kg | 119 / 132 lb 54 / 59.9 kg | 141 / 166 lb 64 / 75.3 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 71 / 71 lb 32.2 / 32.2 kg | 102 / 102 lb 46.3 / 46.3 kg | 123 / 137 lb 55.8 / 62.1 kg | 147 / 173 lb 66.7 / 78.5 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 73 / 73 lb 33.1 / 33.1 kg | 106 / 106 lb 48.1 / 48.1 kg | 128 / 143 lb 58.1 / 64.9 kg | 152 / 179 lb 68.9 / 81.2 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 76 / 76 lb 34.5 / 34.5 kg | 110 / 110 lb 49.9 / 49.9 kg | 133 / 148 lb 60.3 / 67.1 kg | 158 / 186 lb 71.7 / 84.4 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 79 / 79 lb 35.8 / 35.8 kg | 114 / 114 lb 51.7 / 51.7 kg | 138 / 153 lb 62.6 / 69.4 kg | 163 / 192 lb 73.9 / 87.1 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 81 / 81 lb 36.7 / 36.7 kg | 118 / 118 lb 53.5 / 53.5 kg | 142 / 158 lb 64.4 / 71.7 kg | 169 / 199 lb 76.7 / 90.3 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 84 / 84 lb 38.1 / 38.1 kg | 121 / 121 lb 54.9 / 54.9 kg | 147 / 163 lb 66.7 / 73.9 kg | 174 / 205 lb 78.9 / 93 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 86 / 86 lb 39 / 39 kg | 125 / 125 lb 56.7 / 56.7 kg | 151 / 168 lb 68.5 / 76.2 kg | 179 / 211 lb 81.2 / 95.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 89 / 89 lb 40.4 / 40.4 kg | 129 / 129 lb 58.5 / 58.5 kg | 155 / 173 lb 70.3 / 78.5 kg | 185 / 217 lb 83.9 / 98.4 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 91 / 91 lb 41.3 / 41.3 kg | 132 / 132 lb 59.9 / 59.9 kg | 160 / 178 lb 72.6 / 80.7 kg | 190 / 223 lb 86.2 / 101.2 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 94 / 94 lb 42.6 / 42.6 kg | 136 / 136 lb 61.7 / 61.7 kg | 164 / 182 lb 74.4 / 82.6 kg | 195 / 229 lb 88.5 / 103.9 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 96 / 96 lb 43.5 / 43.5 kg | 139 / 139 lb 63 / 63 kg | 168 / 187 lb 76.2 / 84.8 kg | 200 / 235 lb 90.7 / 106.6 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 98 / 98 lb 44.5 / 44.5 kg | 142 / 142 lb 64.4 / 64.4 kg | 172 / 192 lb 78 / 87.1 kg | 205 / 241 lb 93 / 109.3 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 101 / 101 lb 45.8 / 45.8 kg | 146 / 146 lb 66.2 / 66.2 kg | 176 / 196 lb 79.8 / 88.9 kg | 209 / 247 lb 94.8 / 112 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 103 / 103 lb 46.7 / 46.7 kg | 149 / 149 lb 67.6 / 67.6 kg | 180 / 201 lb 81.6 / 91.2 kg | 214 / 252 lb 97.1 / 114.3 kg |
Women’s Seated Barbell Overhead Press vs Swiss Bar Overhead Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Seated Barbell Overhead Press; the second is Swiss Bar Overhead Press. 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 | 24 / 30 lb 10.9 / 13.6 kg | 39 / 43 lb 17.7 / 19.5 kg | 50 / 60 lb 22.7 / 27.2 kg | 61 / 78 lb 27.7 / 35.4 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 26 / 32 lb 11.8 / 14.5 kg | 41 / 46 lb 18.6 / 20.9 kg | 53 / 63 lb 24 / 28.6 kg | 65 / 83 lb 29.5 / 37.6 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 28 / 34 lb 12.7 / 15.4 kg | 44 / 49 lb 20 / 22.2 kg | 56 / 67 lb 25.4 / 30.4 kg | 69 / 88 lb 31.3 / 39.9 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 29 / 35 lb 13.2 / 15.9 kg | 46 / 52 lb 20.9 / 23.6 kg | 59 / 71 lb 26.8 / 32.2 kg | 73 / 93 lb 33.1 / 42.2 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 31 / 37 lb 14.1 / 16.8 kg | 49 / 54 lb 22.2 / 24.5 kg | 62 / 74 lb 28.1 / 33.6 kg | 76 / 97 lb 34.5 / 44 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 32 / 39 lb 14.5 / 17.7 kg | 51 / 57 lb 23.1 / 25.9 kg | 65 / 78 lb 29.5 / 35.4 kg | 80 / 102 lb 36.3 / 46.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 33 / 41 lb 15 / 18.6 kg | 53 / 60 lb 24 / 27.2 kg | 68 / 81 lb 30.8 / 36.7 kg | 84 / 106 lb 38.1 / 48.1 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 35 / 42 lb 15.9 / 19.1 kg | 55 / 62 lb 24.9 / 28.1 kg | 71 / 85 lb 32.2 / 38.6 kg | 87 / 111 lb 39.5 / 50.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 36 / 44 lb 16.3 / 20 kg | 58 / 64 lb 26.3 / 29 kg | 73 / 88 lb 33.1 / 39.9 kg | 90 / 115 lb 40.8 / 52.2 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 37 / 46 lb 16.8 / 20.9 kg | 60 / 67 lb 27.2 / 30.4 kg | 76 / 91 lb 34.5 / 41.3 kg | 94 / 119 lb 42.6 / 54 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 39 / 47 lb 17.7 / 21.3 kg | 62 / 69 lb 28.1 / 31.3 kg | 79 / 94 lb 35.8 / 42.6 kg | 97 / 124 lb 44 / 56.2 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 40 / 49 lb 18.1 / 22.2 kg | 64 / 71 lb 29 / 32.2 kg | 81 / 98 lb 36.7 / 44.5 kg | 100 / 128 lb 45.4 / 58.1 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 41 / 50 lb 18.6 / 22.7 kg | 66 / 74 lb 29.9 / 33.6 kg | 84 / 101 lb 38.1 / 45.8 kg | 103 / 132 lb 46.7 / 59.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 43 / 52 lb 19.5 / 23.6 kg | 68 / 76 lb 30.8 / 34.5 kg | 86 / 104 lb 39 / 47.2 kg | 106 / 136 lb 48.1 / 61.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 44 / 53 lb 20 / 24 kg | 70 / 78 lb 31.8 / 35.4 kg | 89 / 107 lb 40.4 / 48.5 kg | 109 / 140 lb 49.4 / 63.5 kg |
How Your Seated Barbell Overhead Press vs Swiss Bar Overhead Press Result Is Calculated
Both lifts are scored independently first: estimated max, bodyweight-adjusted strength level, and progress toward the next level. Those ratings drive the comparison.
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)
Use recent Seated Barbell Overhead Press and Swiss Bar Overhead Press 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 seated barbell overhead press strength level
The seated barbell overhead 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.
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 swiss bar overhead press strength level
The swiss bar overhead 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.
The target rises more slowly than bodyweight so larger lifters are expected to lift more without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
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.
Treat the result as a training comparison rather than an explanation of why one lift trails. Set quality, fatigue, skill, and training exposure all matter. Age range is recorded anonymously but does not change 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 seated barbell overhead press | Use the exercise-specific estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds scaling rule. |
| Rate the swiss bar overhead press | 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. |
How Men’s Seated Barbell Overhead Press and Swiss Bar Overhead Press 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 swiss bar overhead press standard is higher; below zero means the seated barbell overhead 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 seated barbell overhead press and swiss bar overhead press standards are within 3 lb at 120 lb, 130 lb, 140 lb, 150 lb, 160 lb, 170 lb, 180 lb, 190 lb, 200 lb, 210 lb, 220 lb, 230 lb, 240 lb, 250 lb, 260 lb, 270 lb, 280 lb, 290 lb, and 300 lb.
Advanced and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
At Elite, the difference is 9.5 kg at 120 lb and 17.2 kg at 300 lb.
How to read the table: Every number is the swiss bar overhead press standard minus the seated barbell overhead press standard. A plus sign means the swiss bar overhead press standard is higher. A minus sign means the seated barbell overhead press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +29 lb +13.2 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +31 lb +14.1 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +33 lb +15 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +36 lb +16.3 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | 0 lb 0 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg |
How Women’s Seated Barbell Overhead Press and Swiss Bar Overhead Press 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 7.7 kg at 100 lb and 14.1 kg at 240 lb.
How to read the table: Every number is the swiss bar overhead press standard minus the seated barbell overhead press standard. A plus sign means the swiss bar overhead press standard is higher. A minus sign means the seated barbell overhead press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +4 lb +1.8 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +5 lb +2.3 kg | +10 lb +4.6 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +5 lb +2.2 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +5 lb +2.3 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +6 lb +2.8 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +22 lb +10 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +22 lb +10 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +24 lb +10.8 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +17 lb +7.8 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +29 lb +13.2 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +9 lb +4 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +31 lb +14.1 kg |
Seated Barbell Overhead Press and Swiss Bar Overhead Press Exercises Used by This Calculator
The calculator expects repeatable seated barbell overhead press and swiss bar overhead press results. Follow each exercise definition below so the two ratings are based on valid tests. Use strict, repeatable Seated Barbell Overhead Press and Swiss Bar Overhead Press 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 Seated Barbell Overhead Press setup and load convention
Barbell starts at the upper chest/clavicle with lifter seated upright on a bench. Feet stay flat on the floor with torso supported and no excessive bench recline. Bar is pressed vertically overhead until elbows are fully extended at lockout. Each rep must reach full lockout directly over the shoulders. Bar is lowered under control back to the upper chest each rep. No leg drive or hip extension is allowed. Consistent bench angle and setup must be used across all tests. Raw barbell lifting only. Push press, any standing overhead press variation, Smith machine or machine shoulder press, partial lockout reps, excessive back arch that turns the lift into an incline press, and equipped lifting are excluded. Estimated 1RM is calculated from the entered load and reps.
Use the Swiss Bar Overhead Press setup and load convention
Use the total Swiss bar load pressed overhead. Enter only strict Swiss bar overhead press reps. Count reps that press the Swiss bar from the shoulders to a controlled overhead lockout with the selected neutral or angled handles and no dip, push press, jerk, or shortened finish. Keep setup, range, and finish quality consistent across the entered set. Do not count substituted exercises or assisted reps.
Enter one recent Seated Barbell Overhead Press result and one recent Swiss Bar Overhead Press result
Enter the working weight and a whole number of strict repetitions for each exercise. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed.
Related Tools
- Seated Barbell Overhead Press — View the individual Seated Barbell Overhead Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Swiss Bar Overhead Press — View the individual Swiss Bar Overhead Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Machine Shoulder Press — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Smith Machine Overhead Press — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Standing Log Overhead Press — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Barbell Push Jerk — Use this related standards tool to examine a closely related exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.