Dumbbell Curl standards for men

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

Men · Dumbbell Curl

Bodyweight, kgBeginnerNoviceIntermediateAdvancedElite
5051012.517.522.5
5551012.517.522.5
607.510152025
657.510152027.5
707.5101522.527.5
757.512.517.522.530
807.512.517.52530
857.512.517.52532.5
907.512.5202532.5
951012.52027.535
10010152027.535
1051015203037.5
110101522.53037.5
115101522.53040
120101522.532.540
125101522.532.540
1301017.52532.542.5
13512.517.5253542.5
14012.517.5253545

Men · Dumbbell Curl, lb

Bodyweight, lbBeginnerNoviceIntermediateAdvancedElite
1201520304050
1401525354555
1601525355065
1802025405570
2002030406075
2202030456080
2402035506580
2602535507085
2802535557090
3002540557595
32025406080100

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 man?

At 80 kg bodyweight the intermediate level is about 17.5 kg (40 lb) and the advanced level about 25 kg (55 lb). Someone who has just started training regularly usually lifts around 7.5 kg (15 lb).

How does bodyweight change the Dumbbell Curl standard?

The intermediate standard rises from about 15 kg (35 lb) at 60 kg to 25 kg (55 lb) at 130 kg. Heavier lifters lift more in total but less per kilogram of bodyweight.

What is an elite Dumbbell Curl?

Elite starts at about 30 kg (65 lb) for a lifter weighing 80 kg. Only around 5% of people who train regularly get there.

Strength standards for other lifts

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