RPE Calculator - Rate of Perceived Exertion
The RPE calculator (Rate of Perceived Exertion) is the core tool of autoregulated strength training. It answers a simple question: "If my 1RM is X, how much weight should I use for Y reps at RPE Z?" - or the reverse: "Given the weight and reps I just did at RPE Z, what is my estimated 1RM?"
RPE is a 1-10 scale developed for powerlifting by Mike Tuchscherer at Reactive Training Systems. Unlike fixed percentages, RPE adapts to how you feel on any given day. Training at RPE 8 always means two reps left in the tank - whether that is 80% or 87% of your max on that particular day.
The RPE chart below shows the complete Tuchscherer table: for every combination of rep count (1-10) and RPE (6-10), you can read off the corresponding percentage of 1RM. Click any cell to get instant calculations for any target weight.
Common uses:
- Find the weight to use for "4 sets of 3 at RPE 8" given your current squat 1RM
- Convert a program's percentage (e.g. 82.5%) to an RPE for auto-regulating on hard days
- Look up how hard a given set should feel before you start
For the reverse calculation - finding your 1RM from a completed set - use the E1RM calculator. To convert a program written in percentages to RPE-based targets, try the RPE to percentage converter.
Customize Your Chart
Enter your estimated 1RM to see actual training weights instead of percentages
Leave blank to show percentages
RPE Percentage Table
Percentage of 1RM for each rep count and RPE level. Click any cell for details.
| Reps | 10 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 7 | 6.5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% | 97.8% | 95.5% | 93.9% | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% |
| 2 | 95.5% | 93.9% | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% |
| 3 | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% |
| 4 | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% |
| 5 | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% |
| 6 | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% |
| 7 | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.8% | 71.7% |
| 8 | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.8% | 71.7% | 70.7% | 69.6% |
| 9 | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.8% | 71.7% | 70.7% | 69.6% | 68.6% | 67.6% |
| 10 | 73.9% | 72.8% | 71.7% | 70.7% | 69.6% | 68.6% | 67.6% | 66.6% | 65.6% |
Reps
RPE
% of 1RM
Weight
How to Read the RPE Chart
Find your rep count on the left column and your RPE across the top. The intersection gives you the percentage of your 1RM that combination represents. For example, 5 reps at RPE 8 = 81.1% of your 1RM.
Enter your estimated 1RM above to convert all percentages to actual training weights for quick reference during your workouts.
RPE Scale Quick Reference
What each RPE value means in terms of effort and reps left
Absolute failure. No reps left in the tank.
Maybe 1 more rep with ugly form.
Definitely 1 more rep available.
Definitely 1, maybe 2 more reps.
Could do 2 more reps. Good working intensity.
Could do 2-3 more reps.
3 more reps. Speed work / technique focus.
3-4 reps left. Warm-up territory.
4+ reps left. Easy warm-up effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
RPE percentages are approximations based on population averages. Individual variation is normal. Use this chart as a starting point and adjust based on your personal experience.