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Squat Thrust Strength Standards

Quick Answer Squat Thrust

A 180 lb male with an Intermediate-level Squat Thrust of 30 lbs ranks at the 50th percentile (FVCP), stronger than ~50% of lifters. An Advanced lifter at this weight lifts 56 lbs (0.31x bodyweight).

FitnessVolt Competition Percentile (FVCP), based on 2.5M+ verified competition results

Competition-Verified

How strong is your Squat Thrust? Compare your 1RM against standards for 21 bodyweight categories, from Beginner to Elite.

Equipment None
Data Points 71 rows

How Strong Is Your Squat Thrust?

Your FVCP:
FitnessVolt Competition Percentile, based on 2.5M+ verified results
th percentile
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to track your progress over time.

How Much Should You Squat Thrust?

1RM weight (lbs) you should be able to lift at each standard, based on your bodyweight.

BW (lbs) Beginner Novice Intermediate Advanced Elite
110 < 1 3 27 61 100
120 < 1 5 28 60 98
130 < 1 6 29 60 96
140 < 1 7 30 60 94
150 < 1 8 30 59 92
160 < 1 9 30 58 90
170 < 1 9 30 57 88
180 < 1 9 30 56 86
190 < 1 10 30 56 84
200 < 1 10 30 55 82
210 < 1 10 30 54 80
220 < 1 10 29 53 78
230 < 1 10 29 52 77
240 < 1 10 29 51 75
250 < 1 10 28 50 74
260 < 1 10 28 49 72
270 < 1 10 28 48 71
280 < 1 10 27 47 69
290 < 1 10 27 46 68
300 < 1 10 26 46 67
310 < 1 10 26 45 65

How Does Age Affect Squat Thrust Strength?

How Squat Thrust standards change across different age groups. Values represent a 1RM in lbs.

Age Beginner Novice Intermediate Advanced Elite
15 < 1 2 21 47 76
20 < 1 7 29 58 91
25 < 1 8 30 60 94
30 < 1 8 30 60 94
35 < 1 8 30 60 94
40 < 1 8 30 60 94
45 < 1 6 27 56 88
50 < 1 4 24 50 81
55 < 1 1 20 44 72
60 < 1 < 1 15 38 63
65 < 1 < 1 11 31 54
70 < 1 < 1 8 25 46
75 < 1 < 1 4 19 38
80 < 1 < 1 < 1 14 31
85 < 1 < 1 < 1 10 25
90 < 1 < 1 < 1 7 19

What Do Squat Thrust Strength Standards Mean?

Beginner

Stronger than 5% of lifters. You are learning to hit proper depth on the Squat Thrust, building ankle and hip mobility, and developing the bracing pattern needed to keep your torso upright under load.

Novice

Stronger than 20% of lifters. You can execute the Squat Thrust with consistent depth and bracing. You are adding weight session to session using linear progression and building foundational leg strength.

Intermediate

Stronger than 50% of lifters. Your Squat Thrust technique is solid through heavy loads. You use periodized programming, understand RPE-based autoregulation, and can grind through sticking points without form breakdown.

Advanced

Stronger than 80% of lifters. You have refined your Squat Thrust stance, bar position, and breathing to maximize leverage. You train with block periodization, manage fatigue across training cycles, and likely compete or train at a competitive level.

Elite

Stronger than 95% of lifters. Your Squat Thrust is at a regional or national competitive standard. You have years of structured peaking cycles behind you and have optimized every technical detail from walkout to lockout.

How to Progress Your Squat Thrust

Tier-specific training recommendations to move your Squat Thrust to the next level.

Beginner → Novice Building Your Foundation
  • Train the Squat Thrust 2x per week, focusing on hitting consistent depth every rep.
  • Use linear progression: add 5 lbs each session as long as form stays solid.
  • Record sets at RPE 6-7 to build volume without excessive fatigue.
  • Prioritize ankle and hip mobility work before each session.
Track your E1RM progress →
Novice → Intermediate Structured Progression
  • Switch from linear to weekly periodization (e.g., light/medium/heavy days).
  • Add a Squat Thrust variation (pause squats, tempo squats) for weak-point work.
  • Keep most working sets at RPE 7-8, with occasional top singles at RPE 9.
  • Start tracking your training volume (sets x reps x load) week to week.
Plan your RPE-based sessions →
Intermediate → Advanced Periodized Training Blocks
  • Run 4-6 week training blocks with planned intensity peaks and deloads.
  • Use RPE 8-9 for primary sets, RPE 7 for backoff volume.
  • Address specific sticking points with targeted accessory work.
  • Manage fatigue: total weekly sets of 12-20 for the Squat Thrust movement pattern.
Program your backoff sets →
Advanced → Elite Competition-Level Peaking
  • Run structured peaking cycles (8-12 weeks) leading to maximal attempts.
  • Fine-tune technique details: walkout, descent speed, breath timing.
  • Use the RPE chart to hit precise percentages during peaking blocks.
  • Consider competing to test your Squat Thrust under meet conditions.
View RPE-to-percentage chart →

How to Perform Squat Thrust

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. 2. Squat down, placing hands on the floor. 3. Jump feet back into a plank position. 4. Jump feet forward back to squat position. 5. Stand back up. Repeat.

Tips for Squat Thrust

    Where Do These Squat Thrust Standards Come From?

    These Squat Thrust standards are based on 2.5M+ verified competition results from powerlifting, weightlifting, and strongman federations worldwide. Every number comes from a sanctioned meet with certified judges - not self-reported gym lifts. Data is sourced from OpenPowerlifting and other verified competition databases, ensuring accuracy you can trust.

    Last Updated: March 30, 2026

    Reviewed by the Fitness Volt Editorial Team, certified strength training analysts.

    Is Your Squat Thrust Good for Your Weight?

    Strength standards help you objectively measure your Squat Thrust performance relative to other lifters of the same bodyweight and sex. Here is how to interpret them:

    1. Find your bodyweight in the left column of the table above.
    2. Look across the row to find which strength level your 1RM falls into.
    3. Use the age tab to see how your strength compares within your age group.
    4. Switch between Male and Female standards using the toggle - each has its own dataset.

    If you do not know your 1RM, use the E1RM Calculator to estimate it from any rep set. For example, if you can Squat Thrust 185 lbs for 5 reps, the calculator will estimate your max.

    These standards are derived from 2.5M+ competition results across powerlifting, weightlifting, and strongman federations worldwide, combined with community training data.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A "good" Squat Thrust depends on your bodyweight, sex, and training experience. As a general benchmark, an Intermediate-level lift (stronger than 50% of lifters) is a solid goal for most recreational athletes. Check the table above for your specific bodyweight.
    Most lifters can reach Intermediate level on the Squat Thrust within 1-2 years of consistent training with progressive overload and proper nutrition. Genetics, training program quality, and recovery all play a role.
    Yes. Our standards are calculated from 2.5M+ verified competition results and community-reported data. They are adjusted for bodyweight and age to give you an accurate comparison.
    These standards are based on raw (unequipped) lifts. If you use supportive equipment like a bench shirt or squat suit, your equipped numbers will be higher than these standards reflect.