Smith Machine Back Squat vs Leg Press Strength Standards
Compare your Smith machine back squat and leg press against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Enter one recent set of 1–12 reps for each lift to see your estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and which lift you should prioritize.
For Smith Machine Back Squat, enter the Smith machine load. For Leg Press, enter displayed total sled load. Use a strict bilateral Smith machine back squat to at least knee-level hip depth and full controlled lockout and a controlled bilateral leg press on a 45-degree plate-loaded sled through consistent depth. You can enter either lift in pounds or kilograms. Each lift is compared with its own standards, so the heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Smith Machine Back Squat vs Leg Press Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the Smith machine back squat and leg press to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your Smith machine back squat and leg press.
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 Smith Machine Back Squat / Leg Press, 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 Smith Machine Back Squat vs Leg Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Smith Machine Back Squat; the second is Leg 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 | 203 / 168 lb 92.1 / 76.2 kg | 245 / 252 lb 111.1 / 114.3 kg | 286 / 350 lb 129.7 / 158.8 kg | 329 / 448 lb 149.2 / 203.2 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 214 / 177 lb 97.1 / 80.3 kg | 259 / 266 lb 117.5 / 120.7 kg | 302 / 369 lb 137 / 167.4 kg | 347 / 472 lb 157.4 / 214.1 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 225 / 186 lb 102.1 / 84.4 kg | 272 / 279 lb 123.4 / 126.6 kg | 317 / 388 lb 143.8 / 176 kg | 365 / 496 lb 165.6 / 225 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 236 / 195 lb 107 / 88.5 kg | 284 / 292 lb 128.8 / 132.4 kg | 332 / 406 lb 150.6 / 184.2 kg | 382 / 519 lb 173.3 / 235.4 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 246 / 203 lb 111.6 / 92.1 kg | 297 / 305 lb 134.7 / 138.3 kg | 347 / 424 lb 157.4 / 192.3 kg | 399 / 542 lb 181 / 245.8 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 256 / 212 lb 116.1 / 96.2 kg | 309 / 318 lb 140.2 / 144.2 kg | 361 / 441 lb 163.7 / 200 kg | 415 / 565 lb 188.2 / 256.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 266 / 220 lb 120.7 / 99.8 kg | 321 / 330 lb 145.6 / 149.7 kg | 375 / 458 lb 170.1 / 207.7 kg | 431 / 586 lb 195.5 / 265.8 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 276 / 228 lb 125.2 / 103.4 kg | 333 / 342 lb 151 / 155.1 kg | 389 / 475 lb 176.4 / 215.5 kg | 447 / 608 lb 202.8 / 275.8 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 286 / 236 lb 129.7 / 107 kg | 345 / 354 lb 156.5 / 160.6 kg | 403 / 492 lb 182.8 / 223.2 kg | 463 / 629 lb 210 / 285.3 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 295 / 244 lb 133.8 / 110.7 kg | 356 / 366 lb 161.5 / 166 kg | 416 / 508 lb 188.7 / 230.4 kg | 478 / 650 lb 216.8 / 294.8 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 304 / 251 lb 137.9 / 113.9 kg | 367 / 377 lb 166.5 / 171 kg | 429 / 524 lb 194.6 / 237.7 kg | 493 / 670 lb 223.6 / 303.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 313 / 259 lb 142 / 117.5 kg | 378 / 388 lb 171.5 / 176 kg | 442 / 540 lb 200.5 / 244.9 kg | 508 / 691 lb 230.4 / 313.4 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 323 / 266 lb 146.5 / 120.7 kg | 389 / 400 lb 176.4 / 181.4 kg | 455 / 555 lb 206.4 / 251.7 kg | 522 / 710 lb 236.8 / 322.1 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 331 / 274 lb 150.1 / 124.3 kg | 400 / 411 lb 181.4 / 186.4 kg | 467 / 570 lb 211.8 / 258.5 kg | 537 / 730 lb 243.6 / 331.1 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 340 / 281 lb 154.2 / 127.5 kg | 410 / 422 lb 186 / 191.4 kg | 479 / 585 lb 217.3 / 265.4 kg | 551 / 749 lb 249.9 / 339.7 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 349 / 288 lb 158.3 / 130.6 kg | 421 / 432 lb 191 / 196 kg | 492 / 600 lb 223.2 / 272.2 kg | 565 / 768 lb 256.3 / 348.4 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 357 / 295 lb 161.9 / 133.8 kg | 431 / 443 lb 195.5 / 200.9 kg | 504 / 615 lb 228.6 / 279 kg | 579 / 787 lb 262.6 / 357 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 366 / 302 lb 166 / 137 kg | 441 / 453 lb 200 / 205.5 kg | 516 / 630 lb 234.1 / 285.8 kg | 593 / 806 lb 269 / 365.6 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 374 / 309 lb 169.6 / 140.2 kg | 452 / 464 lb 205 / 210.5 kg | 527 / 644 lb 239 / 292.1 kg | 606 / 824 lb 274.9 / 373.8 kg |
Women’s Smith Machine Back Squat vs Leg Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Smith Machine Back Squat; the second is Leg 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 | 103 / 114 lb 46.7 / 51.7 kg | 137 / 172 lb 62.1 / 78 kg | 172 / 240 lb 78 / 108.9 kg | 206 / 309 lb 93.4 / 140.2 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 110 / 122 lb 49.9 / 55.3 kg | 146 / 183 lb 66.2 / 83 kg | 183 / 256 lb 83 / 116.1 kg | 220 / 329 lb 99.8 / 149.2 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 116 / 129 lb 52.6 / 58.5 kg | 155 / 194 lb 70.3 / 88 kg | 194 / 271 lb 88 / 122.9 kg | 233 / 349 lb 105.7 / 158.3 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 123 / 136 lb 55.8 / 61.7 kg | 164 / 205 lb 74.4 / 93 kg | 205 / 286 lb 93 / 129.7 kg | 245 / 368 lb 111.1 / 166.9 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 129 / 143 lb 58.5 / 64.9 kg | 172 / 215 lb 78 / 97.5 kg | 215 / 301 lb 97.5 / 136.5 kg | 258 / 387 lb 117 / 175.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 135 / 150 lb 61.2 / 68 kg | 180 / 225 lb 81.6 / 102.1 kg | 225 / 315 lb 102.1 / 142.9 kg | 270 / 405 lb 122.5 / 183.7 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 141 / 157 lb 64 / 71.2 kg | 188 / 235 lb 85.3 / 106.6 kg | 235 / 329 lb 106.6 / 149.2 kg | 282 / 423 lb 127.9 / 191.9 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 147 / 163 lb 66.7 / 73.9 kg | 196 / 245 lb 88.9 / 111.1 kg | 245 / 342 lb 111.1 / 155.1 kg | 293 / 440 lb 132.9 / 199.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 152 / 169 lb 68.9 / 76.7 kg | 203 / 254 lb 92.1 / 115.2 kg | 254 / 356 lb 115.2 / 161.5 kg | 305 / 457 lb 138.3 / 207.3 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 158 / 176 lb 71.7 / 79.8 kg | 211 / 263 lb 95.7 / 119.3 kg | 263 / 369 lb 119.3 / 167.4 kg | 316 / 474 lb 143.3 / 215 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 164 / 182 lb 74.4 / 82.6 kg | 218 / 273 lb 98.9 / 123.8 kg | 273 / 382 lb 123.8 / 173.3 kg | 327 / 491 lb 148.3 / 222.7 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 169 / 188 lb 76.7 / 85.3 kg | 225 / 282 lb 102.1 / 127.9 kg | 282 / 394 lb 127.9 / 178.7 kg | 338 / 507 lb 153.3 / 230 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 174 / 194 lb 78.9 / 88 kg | 232 / 290 lb 105.2 / 131.5 kg | 290 / 407 lb 131.5 / 184.6 kg | 349 / 523 lb 158.3 / 237.2 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 180 / 199 lb 81.6 / 90.3 kg | 239 / 299 lb 108.4 / 135.6 kg | 299 / 419 lb 135.6 / 190.1 kg | 359 / 539 lb 162.8 / 244.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 185 / 205 lb 83.9 / 93 kg | 246 / 308 lb 111.6 / 139.7 kg | 308 / 431 lb 139.7 / 195.5 kg | 369 / 554 lb 167.4 / 251.3 kg |
How Your Smith Machine Back Squat vs Leg Press 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 Smith machine back squat strength level
The standards use the sex-specific strength levels from the individual Smith Machine Back Squat 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 squat more Smith machine load without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the leg press strength level
The leg press standards use the exercise-specific targets from the individual 45-degree sled 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 total displayed sled weight 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 Smith machine back squat | Adjust Smith machine back squat targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the leg press | Adjust leg press 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 Smith Machine Back Squat and Leg 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 leg press standard is higher; below zero means the Smith machine back 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.
What the men’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 120 lb.
Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
54 → 98.9 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the leg press standard minus the Smith machine back squat standard. A plus sign means the leg press standard is higher. A minus sign means the Smith machine back squat standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | −35 lb −15.9 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +64 lb +29.1 kg | +119 lb +54 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | −37 lb −16.8 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +67 lb +30.4 kg | +125 lb +56.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | −39 lb −17.7 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +71 lb +32.2 kg | +131 lb +59.4 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | −41 lb −18.5 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +74 lb +33.6 kg | +137 lb +62.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | −43 lb −19.5 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +77 lb +34.9 kg | +143 lb +64.8 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | −44 lb −19.9 kg | +9 lb +4 kg | +80 lb +36.3 kg | +150 lb +68.1 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | −46 lb −20.9 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +83 lb +37.6 kg | +155 lb +70.3 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | −48 lb −21.8 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +86 lb +39.1 kg | +161 lb +73 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | −50 lb −22.7 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +89 lb +40.4 kg | +166 lb +75.3 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | −51 lb −23.1 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +92 lb +41.7 kg | +172 lb +78 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | −53 lb −24 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +95 lb +43.1 kg | +177 lb +80.3 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | −54 lb −24.5 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +98 lb +44.4 kg | +183 lb +83 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | −57 lb −25.8 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +100 lb +45.3 kg | +188 lb +85.3 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | −57 lb −25.8 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +103 lb +46.7 kg | +193 lb +87.5 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | −59 lb −26.7 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +106 lb +48.1 kg | +198 lb +89.8 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | −61 lb −27.7 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +108 lb +49 kg | +203 lb +92.1 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | −62 lb −28.1 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +111 lb +50.4 kg | +208 lb +94.4 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | −64 lb −29 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +114 lb +51.7 kg | +213 lb +96.6 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | −65 lb −29.4 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +117 lb +53.1 kg | +218 lb +98.9 kg |
How Women’s Smith Machine Back Squat and Leg 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.
46.8 → 83.9 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the leg press standard minus the Smith machine back squat standard. A plus sign means the leg press standard is higher. A minus sign means the Smith machine back squat standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg | +68 lb +30.9 kg | +103 lb +46.8 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +73 lb +33.1 kg | +109 lb +49.4 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +39 lb +17.7 kg | +77 lb +34.9 kg | +116 lb +52.6 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +41 lb +18.6 kg | +81 lb +36.7 kg | +123 lb +55.8 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +43 lb +19.5 kg | +86 lb +39 kg | +129 lb +58.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +45 lb +20.5 kg | +90 lb +40.8 kg | +135 lb +61.2 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +47 lb +21.3 kg | +94 lb +42.6 kg | +141 lb +64 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg | +97 lb +44 kg | +147 lb +66.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +17 lb +7.8 kg | +51 lb +23.1 kg | +102 lb +46.3 kg | +152 lb +69 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +52 lb +23.6 kg | +106 lb +48.1 kg | +158 lb +71.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +55 lb +24.9 kg | +109 lb +49.5 kg | +164 lb +74.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +57 lb +25.8 kg | +112 lb +50.8 kg | +169 lb +76.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +58 lb +26.3 kg | +117 lb +53.1 kg | +174 lb +78.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +19 lb +8.7 kg | +60 lb +27.2 kg | +120 lb +54.5 kg | +180 lb +81.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +62 lb +28.1 kg | +123 lb +55.8 kg | +185 lb +83.9 kg |
Smith Machine Back Squat and Leg Press Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict Smith machine back squat and a 45-degree sled leg press. Use a strict Smith machine back squat and a strict 45-degree sled leg press under each tool’s foot-position, depth, support, and lockout rules. Do not substitute free-weight squats, hack squats, horizontal presses, partial reps, bounced reps, assisted reps, or single-leg reps.
Use one Smith machine and full standardized depth
Enter the Smith machine load in the active unit. Keep both hands fixed on the bar, follow the machine’s fixed track, descend until the hip crease clearly reaches at least knee level, and return to full hip-and-knee extension under control. Do not count excessive forward foot placement, partial depth, bouncing, bottom rebound, torso collapse, assistance, a free-weight squat, hack squat, or leg press.
Use a 45-degree plate-loaded sled leg press
Keep both feet in a consistent shoulder-width position, keep the hips and lower back supported, lower the sled under control until the thighs reach at least parallel to the platform, and finish with full knee extension. Do not enter a vertical or selectorized machine, a single-leg variation, a partial rep, a high-foot variation, an assisted rep, or another machine’s displayed weight.
Enter one recent Smith Machine Back Squat set and one recent Leg Press set
Enter each machine’s stated load and a whole number from 1 to 12 strict repetitions. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Preserve each machine’s exact setup, depth, and controlled finish.
Related Tools
- Smith Machine Back Squat — View the individual Smith Machine Back Squat standards and next strength-level target.
- Leg Press (45° Sled) — View the individual Leg Press standards and next strength-level target.
- 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.
- Machine Hack Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Pendulum Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.