About Barbell Tally

Barbell Tally is a small set of free strength-training calculators: a one-rep-max estimator that shows seven formulas side by side, and a plate loader that tells you which plates go on each end of the bar. Each page opens with the working tool and explains the math underneath it.

What we build

Lifters keep asking the same two questions: “what is my max, roughly?” and “what do I put on the bar?” We answer both in the browser, in kilograms or pounds, without sign-ups. Every calculator page also shows the formula, one worked example you can redo by hand, and the limits of the estimate.

Barbell Tally worked example: 100 kg for 5 reps estimates a one-rep max near 117 kg

What we do not do

We do not give medical, injury or nutrition advice.
We do not write individual training programs.
We do not publish made-up numbers: when a value comes from a published formula, the page names the formula.

How a calculator gets checked

The Barbell Tally editorial team writes the pages and the calculator code ourselves. Before a calculator goes live, we work three example lifts by hand, compare them with what the page shows, and fix any difference. The “updated” date on each page changes only when we change the content.

Checklist: write the formula, work three lifts by hand, compare with the calculator, date the page

A word of caution

An estimate is not a test. Heavy attempts belong in front of a spotter or in a rack with safety pins, ideally with a qualified coach. Our terms say the same in more detail.

Contact and privacy

Corrections and requests go to the address on the contact page. The calculators run in your browser; what little we store is listed in the privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Who writes the calculators?

The Barbell Tally editorial team writes the pages and the code. We do not claim named experts or credentials we cannot show.

Do you sell anything or run ads?

No. The calculators are free, there is no shop and no advertising at the moment.

Can I trust the results for a max attempt?

Treat them as estimates. Formulas drift for long sets, and your real max also depends on technique and recovery. Use a coach and safety equipment for attempts.

Back to the 1rm Calculator on the home page.