Free coaching tool · updated 2026-10-16
RPE chart and calculator
An RPE chart turns reps and effort into a percentage of 1RM. RPE 10 means no reps left, RPE 9 means one left and RPE 8 means two left.
Estimated 1RM = load ÷ chart percentage. The load for the next set is that 1RM × the chart percentage for its reps and RPE.
Example: 140 kg for 5 reps at RPE 8 is 81.1% on the chart, so the estimated 1RM is 172.6 kg. A triple at RPE 9 (89.2%) is then about 154 kg.
Free printable PDF
RPE to % of 1RM chart
RPE 6.5 to 10 for 1 to 12 reps, on one page to print or keep on your phone.
The set you did
The set you want next
The formula
Estimated 1RM = load ÷ (chart % ÷ 100)
- This is an estimate. The real percentages vary from lifter to lifter, from lift to lift and from day to day.
- Mike Tuchscherer, who made the chart, wrote: “It should only be used as a guide, not to attempt to derive a max.”
- He also noted that it is most accurate for heavy sets of few reps.
| Reps | RPE 10 | RPE 9.5 | RPE 9 | RPE 8.5 | RPE 8 | RPE 7.5 | RPE 7 | RPE 6.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% | 97.8% | 95.5% | 93.9% | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% |
| 2 | 95.5% | 93.9% | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85% |
| 3 | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% | 82.4% |
| 4 | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% |
| 5 | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% | 77.4% |
| 6 | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% | 75.1% |
| 7 | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.3% |
| 8 | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.3% | 70.7% | 69.4% |
| 9 | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.3% | 70.7% | 69.4% | 68% | 66.7% |
| 10 | 73.9% | 72.3% | 70.7% | 69.4% | 68% | 66.7% | 65.3% | 64% |
| 11 | 70.7% | 69.4% | 68% | 66.7% | 65.3% | 64% | 62.6% | 61.3% |
| 12 | 68% | 66.7% | 65.3% | 64% | 62.6% | 61.3% | 59.9% | 58.6% |
Source
Mike Tuchscherer, Reactive Training Systems (RTS) RPE chart. The link is his chapter on RPE from The Reactive Training Manual. The percentages are the RTS chart as it is widely reproduced.
Common questions
- What does RPE 8 mean?
- You finished the set with two reps left. RPE 8.5 means one more rep for sure and maybe a second.
- What is the difference between RPE and RIR?
- RIR counts the reps in reserve. On this scale RPE is 10 minus RIR, so 2 reps in reserve is RPE 8.
- How accurate is an RPE chart?
- It is a general chart, not a measurement of you. Your own numbers may sit a few percent higher or lower, so compare it with your training log.
In Strength Academy a coach can prescribe a set by RPE target or by % of 1RM. Percentage and RPE programming in the app