Maximum Load (1RM)

If you need to determine your maximum load (1RM) for a weight training exercise then there is a way of obtaining an approximate value based on a weight and the number of repetitions you can perform to exhaustion for that exercise. The following equations provide a good estimate of the maximum load providing the number of repetitions does not exceed 10.

Brzycki's equation to determine Max load

The Brzycki (1993)^[1] equation is as follows:

Weight ÷ ( 1.0278 - ( 0.0278 × Number of repetitions ) )

Baechle equation to determine Max load

The Baechle (2000)^[2] equation is as follows:

Weight × ( 1 + ( 0.033 × Number of repetitions ) )

Max Load Calculator

Enter the weight, the number of repetitions and then select the Calculate Button. Estimates of the maximum load will then be displayed using the Brzycki (1993)^[1] and Baechle (2000)^[2] equations.

Weight		Repetitions

	Max Load		Max Load
Brzycki		Baechle

Free Calculator

Max Load Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet which you can download and use on your computer.

Referenced Material

BRZYCKI, M. (1993) Strength testing-Predicting a one-rep max from reps-to-fatigue. JOPERD, 68, p. 88-90.
BAECHLE, T.R. and EARLE, R.W. and WATHEN, D. (2000) Resistance training. In: BAECHLE, T.R. and EARLE, R.W., eds. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 2nd ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, p. 395-425.

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2000) Maximum Load (1RM) [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/maxload.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page: