Choose comparable sets
Compare the same exercise, similar range of motion and similar effort. A fatigued final set is not equivalent to a fresh top set.
Compare strength consistently
Consistent comparisons begin with consistent records. Save the exercise, load, repetitions and conditions before looking at the estimated maximum. Use the calculator to understand the estimate rather than to chase a test day.
A workflow you can use
Keep a formula fixed
Choose one estimate as your primary reference and retain the other as context. Switching to whichever looks larger distorts the trend.
Record what actually happened
Keep weight, reps and a note about technique or fatigue. These observations are more useful than a rounded score without context.
Use a trend, not one number
Review several sessions before interpreting a change. Day-to-day variation does not necessarily mean your strength changed.
Put the idea into practice
A concrete example
If last month you completed 80 units for five reps and now complete the same weight for six with comparable technique, both formulas move in the same direction. That is more interpretable than comparing different exercises.
When to use the iPhone app
Progression's listing describes strength logging, named estimated-max formulas, weekly hard-set volume and exportable history. A visible formula matters because changing it can change the interpretation of progress.
Know the boundary
An estimated maximum is not a lifting prescription or a measured maximum. High-repetition sets, fatigue and technique reduce its usefulness. The web tool does not assess readiness, injury risk or an appropriate training load.
Estimated one-rep max comparison
Two estimated-max formulas can produce different numbers from the same set. Enter a weight and completed repetitions to compare Epley and Brzycki, inspect the arithmetic and keep a consistent reference when reviewing your training log.
Epley uses weight × (1 + reps/30); Brzycki uses weight × 36/(37 - reps). At one repetition, the completed weight is shown as the observed single. Compare sets performed under similar conditions.
Inputs are processed in this page. Nothing is submitted to the app or a business. Download a result to keep it; this page does not automatically save your work.
What to keep in mind
An estimated maximum is not a lifting prescription or a measured maximum. High-repetition sets, fatigue and technique reduce its usefulness. The web tool does not assess readiness, injury risk or an appropriate training load.
Explore Progression
Estimated one-rep max comparison
Two estimated-max formulas can produce different numbers from the same set. Enter a weight and completed repetitions to compare Epley and Brzycki, inspect the arithmetic and keep a consistent reference when reviewing your training log.
Open this toolCompare lifting progress consistently
Consistent comparisons begin with consistent records. Save the exercise, load, repetitions and conditions before looking at the estimated maximum. Use the calculator to understand the estimate rather than to chase a test day.
Read this guideProgression vs Hevy for strength logging
Compare how each app records your actual sets and lets you retrieve the history. Formula transparency and routine sharing solve different needs; neither replaces sound technique or individualized coaching.
Read the comparisonTake the next step
with Progression.
Progression's listing describes strength logging, named estimated-max formulas, weekly hard-set volume and exportable history. A visible formula matters because changing it can change the interpretation of progress.
View Progression on the App StoreThe current listing requires iOS 26.0 or later. Some features have additional device requirements. Check the listing and purchase screen for current availability and terms.