Dumbbell Curl standards for women

The table shows the estimated one-rep max at each level by bodyweight. Enter your own set in the calculator to see exactly where you stand.

Enter your bodyweight, weight and reps to see your result.

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Standards by bodyweight

Women · Dumbbell Curl

Bodyweight, kgBeginnerNoviceIntermediateAdvancedElite
402.52.557.510
452.5557.510
502.557.51012.5
552.557.51012.5
602.557.51012.5
652.557.51015
702.557.512.515
752.557.512.515
802.557.512.515
85551012.517.5
9057.51012.517.5
9557.5101517.5
10057.5101517.5
10557.5101520
11057.5101520
11557.5101520
12057.512.51520

Women · Dumbbell Curl, lb

Bodyweight, lbBeginnerNoviceIntermediateAdvancedElite
100510152025
120510152025
140510152530
1601010202535
1801015203035
2001015203040
2201015203040
2401015253545
2601015253545

The same standards in pounds: bodyweights in 20 lb steps, lifts rounded to 5 lb.

Estimated one-rep max for people who train regularly.

Dumbbell exercises: the weight of one dumbbell.

How it works

Your one-rep max is estimated from your set with the Brzycki formula: 1RM = weight × 36 / (37 − reps). Sets above 10 reps are counted as 10, since extra reps measure endurance more than strength.

Levels compare your 1RM with your bodyweight. Heavier lifters lift more in absolute terms but less per kilogram, so the thresholds scale with bodyweight to the power of 0.67 rather than in direct proportion.

The levels roughly match the 5th, 20th, 50th, 80th and 95th percentiles of people who train regularly. They are estimates for comparison, not a medical or competition norm.

FAQ

What is a good Dumbbell Curl for a woman?

At 60 kg bodyweight the intermediate level is about 7.5 kg (15 lb) and the advanced level about 10 kg (20 lb). Someone who has just started training regularly usually lifts around 2.5 kg (5 lb).

How does bodyweight change the Dumbbell Curl standard?

The intermediate standard rises from about 7.5 kg (15 lb) at 50 kg to 10 kg (20 lb) at 100 kg. Heavier lifters lift more in total but less per kilogram of bodyweight.

What is an elite Dumbbell Curl?

Elite starts at about 12.5 kg (30 lb) for a lifter weighing 60 kg. Only around 5% of people who train regularly get there.

Strength standards for other lifts

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