Smith Machine Bench Press vs Machine Chest Press Strength Standards
Compare your Smith machine bench press and machine chest press against strength standards for your sex and bodyweight. Enter 1–12 reps for estimated one-rep maxes, strength levels, next targets, and priority.
Enter effective total Smith load or the machine-displayed setting for the Smith press, and displayed bilateral resistance for the chest press machine. Testing: a flat Smith machine bench press with a stable bench setup, consistent chest-depth touch point, controlled descent, and full elbow lockout; a selectorized horizontal chest press with the handles aligned near mid-chest, controlled chest-depth movement, and full elbow extension. Pounds or kilograms. Heavier lift is not automatically the stronger one.
Smith Machine Bench Press vs Machine Chest Press Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the Smith machine bench press and machine chest 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 bench press and machine chest 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 Bench Press / Machine Chest 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 Bench Press vs Machine Chest Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Smith Machine Bench Press; the second is Machine Chest 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 | 107 / 109 lb 48.5 / 49.4 kg | 140 / 151 lb 63.5 / 68.5 kg | 186 / 200 lb 84.4 / 90.7 kg | 238 / 259 lb 108 / 117.5 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 113 / 115 lb 51.3 / 52.2 kg | 148 / 159 lb 67.1 / 72.1 kg | 196 / 211 lb 88.9 / 95.7 kg | 251 / 273 lb 113.9 / 123.8 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 119 / 121 lb 54 / 54.9 kg | 155 / 167 lb 70.3 / 75.7 kg | 206 / 222 lb 93.4 / 100.7 kg | 264 / 287 lb 119.7 / 130.2 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 125 / 126 lb 56.7 / 57.2 kg | 162 / 175 lb 73.5 / 79.4 kg | 216 / 232 lb 98 / 105.2 kg | 276 / 301 lb 125.2 / 136.5 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 130 / 132 lb 59 / 59.9 kg | 169 / 183 lb 76.7 / 83 kg | 226 / 243 lb 102.5 / 110.2 kg | 288 / 314 lb 130.6 / 142.4 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 136 / 137 lb 61.7 / 62.1 kg | 176 / 190 lb 79.8 / 86.2 kg | 235 / 253 lb 106.6 / 114.8 kg | 300 / 327 lb 136.1 / 148.3 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 141 / 143 lb 64 / 64.9 kg | 183 / 198 lb 83 / 89.8 kg | 244 / 262 lb 110.7 / 118.8 kg | 312 / 340 lb 141.5 / 154.2 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 146 / 148 lb 66.2 / 67.1 kg | 190 / 205 lb 86.2 / 93 kg | 253 / 272 lb 114.8 / 123.4 kg | 323 / 352 lb 146.5 / 159.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 151 / 153 lb 68.5 / 69.4 kg | 197 / 212 lb 89.4 / 96.2 kg | 262 / 281 lb 118.8 / 127.5 kg | 334 / 364 lb 151.5 / 165.1 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 156 / 158 lb 70.8 / 71.7 kg | 203 / 219 lb 92.1 / 99.3 kg | 270 / 291 lb 122.5 / 132 kg | 345 / 376 lb 156.5 / 170.6 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 161 / 163 lb 73 / 73.9 kg | 210 / 226 lb 95.3 / 102.5 kg | 279 / 300 lb 126.6 / 136.1 kg | 356 / 388 lb 161.5 / 176 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 166 / 168 lb 75.3 / 76.2 kg | 216 / 233 lb 98 / 105.7 kg | 287 / 309 lb 130.2 / 140.2 kg | 367 / 400 lb 166.5 / 181.4 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 171 / 173 lb 77.6 / 78.5 kg | 222 / 240 lb 100.7 / 108.9 kg | 296 / 318 lb 134.3 / 144.2 kg | 377 / 411 lb 171 / 186.4 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 175 / 178 lb 79.4 / 80.7 kg | 228 / 246 lb 103.4 / 111.6 kg | 304 / 327 lb 137.9 / 148.3 kg | 388 / 423 lb 176 / 191.9 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 180 / 182 lb 81.6 / 82.6 kg | 234 / 253 lb 106.1 / 114.8 kg | 312 / 335 lb 141.5 / 152 kg | 398 / 434 lb 180.5 / 196.9 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 185 / 187 lb 83.9 / 84.8 kg | 240 / 259 lb 108.9 / 117.5 kg | 320 / 344 lb 145.1 / 156 kg | 408 / 445 lb 185.1 / 201.8 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 189 / 192 lb 85.7 / 87.1 kg | 246 / 265 lb 111.6 / 120.2 kg | 328 / 352 lb 148.8 / 159.7 kg | 418 / 456 lb 189.6 / 206.8 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 194 / 196 lb 88 / 88.9 kg | 252 / 272 lb 114.3 / 123.4 kg | 335 / 361 lb 152 / 163.7 kg | 428 / 467 lb 194.1 / 211.8 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 198 / 201 lb 89.8 / 91.2 kg | 258 / 278 lb 117 / 126.1 kg | 343 / 369 lb 155.6 / 167.4 kg | 438 / 477 lb 198.7 / 216.4 kg |
Women’s Smith Machine Bench Press vs Machine Chest Press Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Smith Machine Bench Press; the second is Machine Chest 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 | 55 / 60 lb 24.9 / 27.2 kg | 73 / 82 lb 33.1 / 37.2 kg | 98 / 112 lb 44.5 / 50.8 kg | 133 / 147 lb 60.3 / 66.7 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 59 / 63 lb 26.8 / 28.6 kg | 78 / 88 lb 35.4 / 39.9 kg | 105 / 120 lb 47.6 / 54.4 kg | 141 / 156 lb 64 / 70.8 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 62 / 67 lb 28.1 / 30.4 kg | 83 / 93 lb 37.6 / 42.2 kg | 111 / 127 lb 50.3 / 57.6 kg | 150 / 165 lb 68 / 74.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 65 / 71 lb 29.5 / 32.2 kg | 87 / 98 lb 39.5 / 44.5 kg | 117 / 134 lb 53.1 / 60.8 kg | 158 / 175 lb 71.7 / 79.4 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 69 / 74 lb 31.3 / 33.6 kg | 92 / 103 lb 41.7 / 46.7 kg | 123 / 140 lb 55.8 / 63.5 kg | 166 / 183 lb 75.3 / 83 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 72 / 78 lb 32.7 / 35.4 kg | 96 / 108 lb 43.5 / 49 kg | 129 / 147 lb 58.5 / 66.7 kg | 174 / 192 lb 78.9 / 87.1 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 75 / 81 lb 34 / 36.7 kg | 100 / 113 lb 45.4 / 51.3 kg | 135 / 153 lb 61.2 / 69.4 kg | 182 / 200 lb 82.6 / 90.7 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 78 / 85 lb 35.4 / 38.6 kg | 104 / 117 lb 47.2 / 53.1 kg | 140 / 160 lb 63.5 / 72.6 kg | 189 / 209 lb 85.7 / 94.8 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 81 / 88 lb 36.7 / 39.9 kg | 108 / 122 lb 49 / 55.3 kg | 146 / 166 lb 66.2 / 75.3 kg | 196 / 217 lb 88.9 / 98.4 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 84 / 91 lb 38.1 / 41.3 kg | 112 / 126 lb 50.8 / 57.2 kg | 151 / 172 lb 68.5 / 78 kg | 204 / 225 lb 92.5 / 102.1 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 87 / 94 lb 39.5 / 42.6 kg | 116 / 131 lb 52.6 / 59.4 kg | 156 / 178 lb 70.8 / 80.7 kg | 211 / 233 lb 95.7 / 105.7 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 90 / 98 lb 40.8 / 44.5 kg | 120 / 135 lb 54.4 / 61.2 kg | 161 / 184 lb 73 / 83.5 kg | 218 / 240 lb 98.9 / 108.9 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 93 / 101 lb 42.2 / 45.8 kg | 124 / 139 lb 56.2 / 63 kg | 167 / 190 lb 75.7 / 86.2 kg | 225 / 248 lb 102.1 / 112.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 96 / 104 lb 43.5 / 47.2 kg | 128 / 144 lb 58.1 / 65.3 kg | 172 / 195 lb 78 / 88.5 kg | 231 / 255 lb 104.8 / 115.7 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 98 / 107 lb 44.5 / 48.5 kg | 131 / 148 lb 59.4 / 67.1 kg | 176 / 201 lb 79.8 / 91.2 kg | 238 / 263 lb 108 / 119.3 kg |
How Your Smith Machine Bench Press vs Machine Chest 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 bench press strength level
The standards use the sex-specific Smith machine bench press 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 press more effective machine load without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the machine chest press strength level
The machine chest press standards use the sex-specific standards from the individual Chest Press 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 press more displayed resistance 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 bench press | Use effective Smith-load estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the machine chest press | Adjust machine chest 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 Bench Press and Machine Chest 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 machine chest press standard is higher; below zero means the Smith machine bench 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 Smith machine bench press and machine chest 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.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
9.5 → 17.7 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the machine chest press standard minus the Smith machine bench press standard. A plus sign means the machine chest press standard is higher. A minus sign means the Smith machine bench press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +22 lb +9.9 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +1 lb +0.5 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +1 lb +0.4 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +29 lb +13.2 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +19 lb +8.7 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +31 lb +14.1 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +33 lb +14.9 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +22 lb +9.9 kg | +34 lb +15.4 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | +3 lb +1.3 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | +2 lb +1 kg | +19 lb +8.7 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +36 lb +16.4 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +37 lb +16.7 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | +3 lb +1.4 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | +2 lb +0.9 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +26 lb +11.7 kg | +39 lb +17.7 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | +3 lb +1.4 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +39 lb +17.7 kg |
How Women’s Smith Machine Bench Press and Machine Chest Press Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 110 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
6.4 → 11.3 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the machine chest press standard minus the Smith machine bench press standard. A plus sign means the machine chest press standard is higher. A minus sign means the Smith machine bench press standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | +5 lb +2.3 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | +4 lb +1.8 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +5 lb +2.3 kg | +10 lb +4.6 kg | +16 lb +7.3 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +5 lb +2.3 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +6 lb +2.7 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +14 lb +6.4 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +7 lb +3.1 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +22 lb +9.9 kg | +22 lb +10 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +22 lb +10 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +8 lb +3.7 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +23 lb +10.5 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +9 lb +4 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg |
Smith Machine Bench Press and Machine Chest Press Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict flat Smith machine bench press and a selectorized chest press machine set. Do not enter per-side plates, an assumed free-bar weight that ignores the Smith counterbalance, or pulley-adjusted force. Exclude incline, decline, free-weight, dumbbell, iso-lateral, partial, bounced, assisted, or torso-driven presses, and keep each machine’s load convention distinct.
Use the effective Smith load and a repeatable chest touch
Enter the effective total Smith bar load or the machine-displayed setting. Position a flat bench for a safe, repeatable chest path, lower under control to the chest or consistent chest-depth touch point, and press to full lockout. Do not enter a free-weight bench, incline or decline setup, selectorized chest press, partial rep, bounced rep, assisted rep, or a result produced by counterweight manipulation.
Use a selectorized horizontal chest press
Set the seat so the handles align near mid-chest. Keep the torso and head against the pad and feet planted, lower both handles under control to chest-depth equivalent, and press to full elbow extension. Do not enter a plate-loaded, iso-lateral, Smith-machine, incline, decline, or partial press.
Enter one recent Smith machine bench press set and one recent machine chest press set
Enter the effective or displayed total resistance and a whole number from 1 to 12 reps for each. Pounds and kilograms can be mixed. Use clean, difficult full-range sets and record the specific machines and settings for retesting.
Related Tools
- Smith Machine Bench Press — View the individual Smith Machine Bench Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Chest Press Machine — View the individual Machine Chest Press standards and next strength-level target.
- Bench Press 1RM Calculator — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Bench Press — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.