Deadlift Max Calculator
Estimate your deadlift one-rep max from a real working set, using five published formulas.
Epley (default)
347
lb
Brzycki
334
lb
Lombardi
352
lb
O'Conner
339
lb
Wathan
343
lb
Average of all five: 343 lb
Deadlift percentage table (from your Epley estimate)
| % of 1RM | Weight (lb) | Est. reps |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | 175 | 30 |
| 55% | 190 | 25 |
| 60% | 210 | 20 |
| 65% | 225 | 16 |
| 70% | 245 | 13 |
| 75% | 260 | 10 |
| 80% | 275 | 8 |
| 85% | 295 | 5 |
| 90% | 310 | 3 |
| 95% | 330 | 2 |
| 100% | 345 | 1 |
Weights rounded to the nearest 5 lb — a real, loadable plate increment, not a raw decimal.
Why deadlift 1RM estimates tend to run high
Squat and bench both involve an eccentric (lowering) phase right before the rep that actually counts, which pre-fatigues the muscle set to set. A deadlift starts from a dead stop on the floor every single rep -- there's no stored elastic energy and no eccentric fatigue carrying over, so a multi-rep set is mechanically easier relative to a true max than the equivalent set on squat or bench. On top of that, grip strength often ends a deadlift set before the legs and back actually fail. Both effects push the estimate above what you'd actually pull for one true rep -- treat a deadlift estimate as the more optimistic of the three big lifts.
Working weights by set/rep scheme
From today's example (315 lb × 3, Epley estimate of 347 lb):
| Scheme | Typical use | % of 1RM | Working weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 × 5 | Classic strength-building rep scheme | 80% | 275 lb |
| 3 × 5 | Heavier, lower-volume strength work | 85% | 295 lb |
| 5 × 3 | Near-max strength, still repeatable | 87% | 300 lb |
| 4 × 6 | Strength with some hypertrophy carryover | 75% | 260 lb |
| 3 × 8 | Hypertrophy-leaning volume | 70% | 245 lb |
| 3 × 10 | Higher-volume hypertrophy / technique work | 65% | 225 lb |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my deadlift estimate run higher than my squat or bench estimate, relative to my real max?
Every rep of a deadlift starts from a dead stop off the floor -- there's no stretch-shortening rebound to fatigue between reps the way there is in squat or bench, and grip (not the prime movers) is often what actually ends the set. That makes submaximal deadlift sets a less clean read on true 1RM than the other lifts, and formula estimates here tend to run optimistic.
Does sumo vs. conventional change the estimate?
The formula math is identical either way, but your real max isn't the same lift in both stances. Estimate from a set in the stance you'll actually pull in -- mixing sumo working sets with a conventional max estimate (or vice versa) isn't a fair comparison.
Should I count a grip-limited set the same as a leg-and-back-limited set?
No. If your working set ended because your grip gave out, not your posterior chain, the true 1RM for your pull is probably higher than the formula shows. Use straps or a mixed/hook grip for the working set if you want the estimate to reflect your legs and back, not your forearms.
What set/rep scheme should I use to build my deadlift?
Deadlift generally tolerates less weekly volume at heavy weights than squat or bench. 5x5 at roughly 80% still works, but many lifters do better with fewer heavy sets (3x5 at 85%) and more volume from a lighter accessory pull. See the table below for both, computed from today's estimate.
Keep going
- Squat and deadlift both load the posterior chain; check your squat max with the same five formulas. Squat Max Calculator
- See how your estimated deadlift max compares to commonly published bodyweight-ratio standards. Strength Standards
- Turn your deadlift max into a full 50-100% table for programming deload and peaking weeks. One Rep Max Percentage Chart