Weighted Pistol Squat vs Bulgarian Split Squat Strength Standards
Compare your weighted pistol squat and Bulgarian split squat 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.
Use each exercise's canonical input: Total external load for Weighted Pistol Squat and Combined total external load for Bulgarian Split Squat. Use Single-leg squat is performed to full depth with the non-working leg elevated off the ground. and a rear-foot-elevated split squat with the front thigh reaching at least parallel, balance maintained, and the front knee and hip fully extended at the finish. 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.
Weighted Pistol Squat vs Bulgarian Split Squat Strength Standards by Bodyweight
Use these tables to compare the estimated one-rep max required for the weighted pistol squat and Bulgarian split squat to reach the same strength level at each listed bodyweight. They show the targets used by the calculator—not a required difference between your weighted pistol squat and Bulgarian split squat.
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 Weighted Pistol Squat / Bulgarian Split Squat, 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 Weighted Pistol Squat vs Bulgarian Split Squat Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Weighted Pistol Squat; the second is Bulgarian Split Squat. 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 | 45 / 56 lb 20.4 / 25.4 kg | 67 / 84 lb 30.4 / 38.1 kg | 95 / 119 lb 43.1 / 54 kg | 129 / 160 lb 58.5 / 72.6 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 47 / 59 lb 21.3 / 26.8 kg | 71 / 89 lb 32.2 / 40.4 kg | 100 / 126 lb 45.4 / 57.2 kg | 136 / 169 lb 61.7 / 76.7 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 50 / 62 lb 22.7 / 28.1 kg | 74 / 93 lb 33.6 / 42.2 kg | 105 / 132 lb 47.6 / 59.9 kg | 143 / 178 lb 64.9 / 80.7 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 52 / 65 lb 23.6 / 29.5 kg | 78 / 97 lb 35.4 / 44 kg | 110 / 138 lb 49.9 / 62.6 kg | 149 / 186 lb 67.6 / 84.4 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 54 / 68 lb 24.5 / 30.8 kg | 81 / 102 lb 36.7 / 46.3 kg | 115 / 144 lb 52.2 / 65.3 kg | 156 / 194 lb 70.8 / 88 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 57 / 71 lb 25.9 / 32.2 kg | 84 / 106 lb 38.1 / 48.1 kg | 120 / 150 lb 54.4 / 68 kg | 162 / 202 lb 73.5 / 91.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 59 / 73 lb 26.8 / 33.1 kg | 88 / 110 lb 39.9 / 49.9 kg | 124 / 156 lb 56.2 / 70.8 kg | 169 / 210 lb 76.7 / 95.3 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 61 / 76 lb 27.7 / 34.5 kg | 91 / 114 lb 41.3 / 51.7 kg | 129 / 162 lb 58.5 / 73.5 kg | 175 / 218 lb 79.4 / 98.9 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 63 / 79 lb 28.6 / 35.8 kg | 94 / 118 lb 42.6 / 53.5 kg | 133 / 168 lb 60.3 / 76.2 kg | 181 / 226 lb 82.1 / 102.5 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 65 / 81 lb 29.5 / 36.7 kg | 97 / 122 lb 44 / 55.3 kg | 138 / 173 lb 62.6 / 78.5 kg | 187 / 233 lb 84.8 / 105.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 67 / 84 lb 30.4 / 38.1 kg | 100 / 126 lb 45.4 / 57.2 kg | 142 / 179 lb 64.4 / 81.2 kg | 193 / 240 lb 87.5 / 108.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 69 / 86 lb 31.3 / 39 kg | 103 / 129 lb 46.7 / 58.5 kg | 147 / 184 lb 66.7 / 83.5 kg | 199 / 248 lb 90.3 / 112.5 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 71 / 89 lb 32.2 / 40.4 kg | 106 / 133 lb 48.1 / 60.3 kg | 151 / 189 lb 68.5 / 85.7 kg | 204 / 255 lb 92.5 / 115.7 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | 73 / 91 lb 33.1 / 41.3 kg | 109 / 137 lb 49.4 / 62.1 kg | 155 / 195 lb 70.3 / 88.5 kg | 210 / 262 lb 95.3 / 118.8 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | 75 / 94 lb 34 / 42.6 kg | 112 / 141 lb 50.8 / 64 kg | 159 / 200 lb 72.1 / 90.7 kg | 216 / 269 lb 98 / 122 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | 77 / 96 lb 34.9 / 43.5 kg | 115 / 144 lb 52.2 / 65.3 kg | 163 / 205 lb 73.9 / 93 kg | 221 / 276 lb 100.2 / 125.2 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | 79 / 98 lb 35.8 / 44.5 kg | 118 / 148 lb 53.5 / 67.1 kg | 167 / 210 lb 75.7 / 95.3 kg | 227 / 282 lb 103 / 127.9 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | 81 / 101 lb 36.7 / 45.8 kg | 121 / 151 lb 54.9 / 68.5 kg | 171 / 215 lb 77.6 / 97.5 kg | 232 / 289 lb 105.2 / 131.1 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | 83 / 103 lb 37.6 / 46.7 kg | 123 / 155 lb 55.8 / 70.3 kg | 175 / 220 lb 79.4 / 99.8 kg | 237 / 296 lb 107.5 / 134.3 kg |
Women’s Weighted Pistol Squat vs Bulgarian Split Squat Standards
How to read the table: The first number is Weighted Pistol Squat; the second is Bulgarian Split Squat. 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 | 27 / 34 lb 12.2 / 15.4 kg | 41 / 52 lb 18.6 / 23.6 kg | 60 / 75 lb 27.2 / 34 kg | 82 / 103 lb 37.2 / 46.7 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | 29 / 37 lb 13.2 / 16.8 kg | 44 / 55 lb 20 / 24.9 kg | 63 / 80 lb 28.6 / 36.3 kg | 88 / 110 lb 39.9 / 49.9 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | 31 / 39 lb 14.1 / 17.7 kg | 47 / 59 lb 21.3 / 26.8 kg | 67 / 84 lb 30.4 / 38.1 kg | 93 / 116 lb 42.2 / 52.6 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | 33 / 41 lb 15 / 18.6 kg | 49 / 62 lb 22.2 / 28.1 kg | 71 / 89 lb 32.2 / 40.4 kg | 98 / 123 lb 44.5 / 55.8 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | 34 / 43 lb 15.4 / 19.5 kg | 52 / 65 lb 23.6 / 29.5 kg | 74 / 94 lb 33.6 / 42.6 kg | 103 / 129 lb 46.7 / 58.5 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | 36 / 45 lb 16.3 / 20.4 kg | 54 / 68 lb 24.5 / 30.8 kg | 78 / 98 lb 35.4 / 44.5 kg | 108 / 135 lb 49 / 61.2 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | 38 / 47 lb 17.2 / 21.3 kg | 56 / 71 lb 25.4 / 32.2 kg | 81 / 102 lb 36.7 / 46.3 kg | 113 / 141 lb 51.3 / 64 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | 39 / 49 lb 17.7 / 22.2 kg | 59 / 74 lb 26.8 / 33.6 kg | 85 / 107 lb 38.6 / 48.5 kg | 117 / 147 lb 53.1 / 66.7 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | 41 / 51 lb 18.6 / 23.1 kg | 61 / 77 lb 27.7 / 34.9 kg | 88 / 111 lb 39.9 / 50.3 kg | 122 / 152 lb 55.3 / 68.9 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | 42 / 53 lb 19.1 / 24 kg | 63 / 80 lb 28.6 / 36.3 kg | 91 / 115 lb 41.3 / 52.2 kg | 126 / 158 lb 57.2 / 71.7 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | 44 / 55 lb 20 / 24.9 kg | 65 / 82 lb 29.5 / 37.2 kg | 94 / 119 lb 42.6 / 54 kg | 131 / 164 lb 59.4 / 74.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | 45 / 56 lb 20.4 / 25.4 kg | 68 / 85 lb 30.8 / 38.6 kg | 98 / 123 lb 44.5 / 55.8 kg | 135 / 169 lb 61.2 / 76.7 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | 46 / 58 lb 20.9 / 26.3 kg | 70 / 88 lb 31.8 / 39.9 kg | 101 / 127 lb 45.8 / 57.6 kg | 139 / 174 lb 63 / 78.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | 48 / 60 lb 21.8 / 27.2 kg | 72 / 90 lb 32.7 / 40.8 kg | 104 / 130 lb 47.2 / 59 kg | 144 / 180 lb 65.3 / 81.6 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | 49 / 62 lb 22.2 / 28.1 kg | 74 / 93 lb 33.6 / 42.2 kg | 107 / 134 lb 48.5 / 60.8 kg | 148 / 185 lb 67.1 / 83.9 kg |
How Your Weighted Pistol Squat vs Bulgarian Split Squat 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 weighted pistol squat strength level
The standards use the sex-specific thresholds from the individual Weighted Pistol 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 larger lifters are expected to lift more without requiring strength to increase pound for pound.
3. Find the Bulgarian split squat strength level
The Bulgarian split squat standards use the sex-specific per-leg standards from the individual Bulgarian Split 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 use more external load 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 weighted pistol squat | Use the canonical estimated max and adjust targets to exact bodyweight with the approved two-thirds rule. |
| Rate the Bulgarian split squat | Adjust per-leg Bulgarian split squat 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 Weighted Pistol Squat and Bulgarian Split Squat 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 Bulgarian split squat standard is higher; below zero means the weighted pistol 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.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
14.1 → 26.8 kg from 120 to 300 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the Bulgarian split squat standard minus the weighted pistol squat standard. A plus sign means the Bulgarian split squat standard is higher. A minus sign means the weighted pistol squat standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +31 lb +14.1 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +33 lb +15 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +35 lb +15.8 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +40 lb +18.1 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +22 lb +10 kg | +32 lb +14.6 kg | +41 lb +18.6 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +33 lb +15 kg | +43 lb +19.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg | +45 lb +20.4 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg | +46 lb +20.9 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +47 lb +21.4 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg | +49 lb +22.2 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg | +38 lb +17.2 kg | +51 lb +23.2 kg |
| 250 lb 113.4 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg | +40 lb +18.2 kg | +52 lb +23.5 kg |
| 260 lb 117.9 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +29 lb +13.2 kg | +41 lb +18.6 kg | +53 lb +24 kg |
| 270 lb 122.5 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +29 lb +13.1 kg | +42 lb +19.1 kg | +55 lb +25 kg |
| 280 lb 127 kg | +19 lb +8.7 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +43 lb +19.6 kg | +55 lb +24.9 kg |
| 290 lb 131.5 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg | +44 lb +19.9 kg | +57 lb +25.9 kg |
| 300 lb 136.1 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg | +45 lb +20.4 kg | +59 lb +26.8 kg |
How Women’s Weighted Pistol Squat and Bulgarian Split Squat Standards Differ
What the women’s data shows:
The standards come closest at 100 lb.
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite at every displayed bodyweight.
9.5 → 16.8 kg from 100 to 240 lb bodyweight.
How to read the table: Every number is the Bulgarian split squat standard minus the weighted pistol squat standard. A plus sign means the Bulgarian split squat standard is higher. A minus sign means the weighted pistol squat standard is higher.
| Bodyweight | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb 45.4 kg | +7 lb +3.2 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +21 lb +9.5 kg |
| 110 lb 49.9 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +22 lb +10 kg |
| 120 lb 54.4 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +12 lb +5.5 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg |
| 130 lb 59 kg | +8 lb +3.6 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +18 lb +8.2 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg |
| 140 lb 63.5 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +20 lb +9 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg |
| 150 lb 68 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +14 lb +6.3 kg | +20 lb +9.1 kg | +27 lb +12.2 kg |
| 160 lb 72.6 kg | +9 lb +4.1 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +21 lb +9.6 kg | +28 lb +12.7 kg |
| 170 lb 77.1 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +15 lb +6.8 kg | +22 lb +9.9 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg |
| 180 lb 81.6 kg | +10 lb +4.5 kg | +16 lb +7.2 kg | +23 lb +10.4 kg | +30 lb +13.6 kg |
| 190 lb 86.2 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +24 lb +10.9 kg | +32 lb +14.5 kg |
| 200 lb 90.7 kg | +11 lb +4.9 kg | +17 lb +7.7 kg | +25 lb +11.4 kg | +33 lb +15 kg |
| 210 lb 95.3 kg | +11 lb +5 kg | +17 lb +7.8 kg | +25 lb +11.3 kg | +34 lb +15.5 kg |
| 220 lb 99.8 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +35 lb +15.9 kg |
| 230 lb 104.3 kg | +12 lb +5.4 kg | +18 lb +8.1 kg | +26 lb +11.8 kg | +36 lb +16.3 kg |
| 240 lb 108.9 kg | +13 lb +5.9 kg | +19 lb +8.6 kg | +27 lb +12.3 kg | +37 lb +16.8 kg |
Weighted Pistol Squat and Bulgarian Split Squat Exercises Used by This Calculator
This calculator uses a strict weighted pistol squat test and a rear-foot-elevated Bulgarian split squat. Use strict canonical Weighted Pistol Squat and Bulgarian Split Squat tests. Do not mix variations, assistance, partial range, momentum, or different load conventions.
Use the canonical Weighted Pistol Squat setup and load convention
Single-leg squat is performed to full depth with the non-working leg elevated off the ground. Descent continues until hamstring contacts calf or full knee flexion is reached. Each repetition ends at full lockout with working-leg hip and knee fully extended. Weight is held via dumbbell(s), kettlebell(s), or a weighted vest. External weight only (bodyweight excluded). Entered weight is total external weight (not per side); unilateral weight is not doubled. Balance and control are maintained throughout with no bouncing or assistance. Depth and technique must remain consistent across all reps. Assisted pistol squats, partial reps, rear-foot supported variations, and machine variations are excluded. Standards are adjusted downward versus Bulgarian split squat due to higher balance, mobility, and control demands. Estimated 1RM is calculated from entered external weight and reps.
Use a strict Bulgarian split squat per leg
Keep the rear foot elevated and front foot planted, descend until the front thigh reaches at least parallel, and stand to full front-knee and hip extension without support. Enter combined total external load and score each leg separately. Do not enter bodyweight, a standard split squat, Smith-machine or machine variation, partial rep, or assisted-balance rep.
Enter one recent Weighted Pistol Squat result and one recent Bulgarian Split Squat result
Use each exercise’s canonical input: Total external load for Weighted Pistol Squat and Combined total external load for Bulgarian Split Squat.
Related Tools
- Bulgarian Split Squat (Per Leg, Raw) — View the individual Bulgarian Split Squat standards and next strength-level target.
- Barbell Cossack Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
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- Double Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.
- Dumbbell Lunge — Use this related standards tool to compare a registry-approved neighboring exercise without mixing its result into this comparison.