Squat 1RM from 120 kg for 5 reps

Q: What is my squat max if I squat 120 kg for 5?

On the squat, 120 kg for 5 reps gives an estimated 1RM of 140.0 kg with Epley. As long as all five reps hit the same depth and you had one rep left at most.

Q: How much should I load for squat triples?

On the squat, 120 kg for 5 reps gives an estimated 1RM of 140.0 kg with Epley. Around 90% of the figure for hard sets of 2 or 3, or 80% if you want room to spare. The table above lists the kilos.

By Jesús Narváez Tamés · Published on October 28, 2026

Your estimated squat max from 120 kg for 5 reps, with the loads to keep progressing without testing it.

140.0kg

Brzycki: 135.0 kg

Exercise: Squat
Weight lifted: 120 kg
Reps: 5
Formula: Epley
90% of 1RM: 126.0 kg
80% of 1RM: 112.0 kg
70% of 1RM: 98.0 kg

The set of 5 is the default in almost every squat strength program. This example uses 120 kg for 5, a solid intermediate number, and turns it into an estimated 1RM with both formulas in the calculator.

It only counts if the depth was the same on all five. If the last ones got shallow, the estimate is inflated. To progress, add 2.5 or 5 kg to the set of 5 when it moves cleanly and let the max follow.

How this was calculated

Epley: 1RM = weight × (1 + reps / 30). It is an estimate, reliable up to about 10 reps taken close to failure. Brzycki (weight × 36 / (37 − reps)) is shown for contrast: if the two drift apart, the set had more reps than the formula handles well.

Nearby values

The same calculation changing only the weight. The highlighted row is this example.

Weight	Result
110 kg	128.3 kg	Brzycki: 123.8 kg
115 kg	134.2 kg	Brzycki: 129.4 kg
120 kg	140.0 kg	Brzycki: 135.0 kg
125 kg	145.8 kg	Brzycki: 140.6 kg
130 kg	151.7 kg	Brzycki: 146.3 kg

Adjust it to your numbers

The calculator starts from this example. If you change a field, that value is saved only on this device.

Units

Weight lifted (lb)

Reps performed

Formula

Estimated 1RM

308.6lb

Percentage table

1 reps
100 %
308.6 lb
2 reps
95 %
289.4 lb
3 reps
92 %
280.6 lb
4 reps
89 %
272.3 lb
5 reps
86 %
264.6 lb
6 reps
83 %
257.2 lb
8 reps
78 %
243.7 lb
10 reps
75 %
231.5 lb
12 reps
70 %
220.5 lb

Max (1-2 reps) (≥90%) Strength (3-5 reps) (80-89%) Hypertrophy (6-12 reps) (70-79%) Volume (60-69%) Endurance (<60%)

Open the calculator without this example

Disclaimer: this calculator provides educational information and estimates based on standard formulas. It is not a substitute for personalised advice from a doctor, nutritionist or trainer. Consult a professional before making significant changes to your diet or training.

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Frequently asked questions

What is my squat max if I squat 120 kg for 5?+

On the squat, 120 kg for 5 reps gives an estimated 1RM of 140.0 kg with Epley. As long as all five reps hit the same depth and you had one rep left at most.

How much should I load for squat triples?+

On the squat, 120 kg for 5 reps gives an estimated 1RM of 140.0 kg with Epley. Around 90% of the figure for hard sets of 2 or 3, or 80% if you want room to spare. The table above lists the kilos.

Worked examples

A specific profile, with the number already done. Open it if it looks like you, then adjust.