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 12.

Brzycki's equation to determine Max load

The Brzycki equation is as follows:

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

Alternative equation to determine Max load

The alternative 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 and Alternative equations.

Weight Kg Repetitions
Max Load Max Load
Brzycki Kg Alternative Kg

Free Calculator

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

Associated Pages

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

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

  • Explosive Power and Strength, D.A. Chu, ISBN 0 87322 643 7
  • Strength Training Anatomy, F. Delavier, ISBN 0 7360 4185 0
  • Strength Training for Athletes, A. Winch, ISBN 1 86126 650 2
  • Serious Strength Training, T.O. Bompa et al., ISBN 0 88011 834 2
  • Strength and Conditioning for Games Players, C. Brewer, ISBN 1 902523 85 7
  • Strength Training for Coaches, B. Pauletto, ISBN 0 88011 371 5
  • Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
  • Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
  • Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
  • Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
  • The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
  • Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
  • Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
  • Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
  • PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2