Deadlift (1RM)
The deadlift is a full-body posterior chain exercise and typically the heaviest of the three competition powerlifts. Norms here are expressed as a one-rep max (1RM), the maximum weight a person can lift for a single repetition, relative to bodyweight (weight lifted ÷ bodyweight). Data are from van den Hoek et al. 2024, a retrospective analysis of 809,986 entries from global drug-tested, unequipped powerlifting competitions. These are norms for competitive powerlifters, not the general population. Untrained individuals will typically score well below these values.
Data source: van den Hoek et al. (Powerlifting) About this study
Deadlift (1RM) Norms by Age and Sex
| Age | Sex | Percentile | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 95th | ||
| 12-17 | Male | 1.61 | 1.93 | 2.28 | 2.6 | 2.9 |
| Female | 1.26 | 1.49 | 1.76 | 2.04 | 2.3 | |
| 18-35 | Male | 2.03 | 2.31 | 2.63 | 2.95 | 3.25 |
| Female | 1.49 | 1.75 | 2.05 | 2.37 | 2.66 | |
| 36-59 | Male | 1.75 | 2.02 | 2.34 | 2.66 | 2.98 |
| Female | 1.32 | 1.57 | 1.88 | 2.2 | 2.51 | |
| 60-79 | Male | 1.42 | 1.68 | 2.02 | 2.35 | 2.64 |
| Female | 1.11 | 1.33 | 1.6 | 1.91 | 2.19 | |
| 80+ | Male | 0.96 | 1.18 | 1.5 | 1.95 | 2.3 |
| Female | 0.61 | 0.73 | 1.16 | 1.55 | 1.68 | |
What to expect by age group
Among competitive powerlifters aged 18 to 35, the middle 50% deadlift 2.31 to 2.95× bodyweight for men and 1.75 to 2.37× bodyweight for women. Deadlift strength declines from peak values in the 18 to 35 bracket through older age; men deadlift around 0.60× bodyweight more relative to body size than women. These are norms for trained competitors, scores below 2.31× (men) or 1.75× (women) are typically below average within this population; scores above 2.95× (men) or 2.37× (women) are above average.
| Age | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| 12-17 | 1.93 to 2.6 | 1.49 to 2.04 |
| 18-35 | 2.31 to 2.95 | 1.75 to 2.37 |
| 36-59 | 2.02 to 2.66 | 1.57 to 2.2 |
| 60-79 | 1.68 to 2.35 | 1.33 to 1.91 |
| 80+ | 1.18 to 1.95 | 0.73 to 1.55 |
Detailed Breakdowns
Select an age group and sex below for detailed percentile charts, tables, and ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do these numbers mean?
These values show relative strength: weight lifted divided by bodyweight. A deadlift of 2.5 means the lifter pulled 2.5 times their own bodyweight.
Are these norms for everyone?
No, these are norms for competitive powerlifters in drug-tested, unequipped competitions. They represent trained strength athletes, not the general population. Most recreational gym-goers will score below the 50th percentile on this scale.
Why are P25, P75, P5, and P95 approximate?
The source study reports deciles (P10 through P90). P5 and P95 use P10 and P90 as proxies. P25 and P75 are the actual values reported by the authors' online calculator at thestrengthinitiative.com, which exposes the full distribution from the underlying data.
What deadlift protocol is used?
Conventional or sumo deadlift (lifter's choice) in drug-tested, unequipped competition. No straps or supportive suits. Results represent the best single lift in competition.
Why is the deadlift higher than the squat?
The deadlift typically allows greater absolute loads than the squat because it involves more muscle mass (full posterior chain plus grip) and the concentric-only nature of the lift (no eccentric loading before the pull). This is consistent across all age groups and sexes.