RPE calculator
Turn a set into numbers. Enter what you lifted and how hard it felt (RPE), and get the percentage of your 1RM that set represents, plus your estimated one-rep max. RPE runs from 6 to 10, where 10 means no reps left.
RPE to percentage of 1RM chart
Find your rep count along the top and your RPE down the side. The cell is roughly what percentage of your one-rep max that set represents.
| RPE | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 100% | 95.5% | 92.2% | 89.2% | 86.3% | 83.7% | 81.1% | 78.6% | 76.2% | 73.9% |
| 9.5 | 97.8% | 93.9% | 90.7% | 87.8% | 85% | 82.4% | 79.9% | 77.4% | 75.1% | 72.3% |
| 9 | 95.5% | 92.2% | 89.2% | 86.3% | 83.7% | 81.1% | 78.6% | 76.2% | 73.9% | 70.7% |
| 8.5 | 93.9% | 90.7% | 87.8% | 85% | 82.4% | 79.9% | 77.4% | 75.1% | 72.3% | 69.4% |
| 8 | 92.2% | 89.2% | 86.3% | 83.7% | 81.1% | 78.6% | 76.2% | 73.9% | 70.7% | 68% |
| 7.5 | 90.7% | 87.8% | 85% | 82.4% | 79.9% | 77.4% | 75.1% | 72.3% | 69.4% | 66.7% |
| 7 | 89.2% | 86.3% | 83.7% | 81.1% | 78.6% | 76.2% | 73.9% | 70.7% | 68% | 65.3% |
| 6.5 | 87.8% | 85% | 82.4% | 79.9% | 77.4% | 75.1% | 72.3% | 69.4% | 66.7% | 64% |
| 6 | 86.3% | 83.7% | 81.1% | 78.6% | 76.2% | 73.9% | 70.7% | 68% | 65.3% | 62.6% |
Based on the Reactive Training Systems (Tuchscherer) RPE scale. Values are estimates, best tuned to your own lifts over time.
How to use RPE
RPE lets you auto-regulate: instead of forcing a fixed weight on a bad day, you chase an effort target. A program might call for "5 reps at RPE 8". You pick a weight that leaves about two reps in the tank at five reps, and adjust set to set based on how the bar actually moves.
What more do you get in Mekimeki?
- Your real numbers. Mekimeki logs the weight and reps of every set, so your working loads and estimated 1RM come from actual training, not a guess.
- Trends over time. Watch your estimated 1RM climb across weeks instead of reading a single set in isolation.
What does RPE mean in lifting?
RPE is Rate of Perceived Exertion on a 6 to 10 scale. RPE 10 means no reps left in the tank, RPE 9 means about one rep left, RPE 8 about two, and so on. It is a way to auto-regulate load by feel instead of a fixed percentage.
How do you convert RPE to a percentage of 1RM?
Use the reps you did and the RPE you hit. For example, 5 reps at RPE 8 is about 81% of your one-rep max. The chart on this page maps every reps-and-RPE combination to a percentage.
What is RIR, and how does it relate to RPE?
RIR is Reps In Reserve, the number of reps you had left. It is the inverse of RPE: RPE 8 equals about 2 RIR, RPE 9 equals about 1 RIR, RPE 10 equals 0 RIR.
How accurate is an RPE chart?
Treat it as a guide, accurate to within a few percent for most trained lifters. The relationship between reps, effort, and load varies by person and by exercise, so the best chart is one you tune to your own lifts over time.
Log every set, RPE included
Mekimeki turns your working sets into estimated 1RM and PR tracking automatically.
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