Prilepin Chart Calculator

Prilepin's chart is a strength-training table developed from Soviet weightlifting research by A.S. Prilepin. For a given training intensity (your working weight as a percent of your one-rep max), it prescribes how many reps to do per set, the optimal total number of reps for the session, and a sensible total-rep range. The heavier you lift, the fewer reps the chart recommends per set and in total. It is widely used to plan volume for the squat, bench press, deadlift, and the Olympic lifts.

Pick how you want to set the intensity. In percent mode you enter your working weight as a percent of your 1RM, for example 85. In RPE mode you enter a target RPE and rep count, and the calculator converts that to a percent of 1RM for you. Either way it returns the reps-per-set range, the optimal total reps, the lower and upper total-rep limits, and a suggested number of sets. Enter your 1RM too and it shows the actual working weight to load on the bar.

The optimal total is the rep count Prilepin found produced the best training effect at that intensity, such as 15 reps in the 80 to 90 percent zone. The range gives you room to adjust, where the lower limit is the least volume worth doing and the upper limit is the most you should do before bar speed and recovery suffer. A common approach is to stay near the optimal on most days and drift toward the limits to deload or to push a hard session.

The calculator uses the standard linear RPE model from Reactive Training Systems. A single rep at RPE 10 equals 100 percent of your 1RM, and each full RPE point below that subtracts 5 percent, so a single rep at RPE 8 is 90 percent. Every additional rep in the set subtracts a further 2.5 percent. For example, three reps at RPE 8 is 90 percent minus two extra reps at 2.5 percent each, which works out to 85 percent of 1RM.

The chart was built around the competition lifts, so it works best for heavy compound barbell movements like the squat, bench press, deadlift, overhead press, and the Olympic lifts. For isolation work, machines, and high-rep accessory training it is far less relevant, since those are not limited in the same way by neural fatigue. Treat the numbers as a starting framework for your main lifts rather than a hard rule for everything you do.

No. Prilepin's chart is a general volume guideline drawn from population averages, not a plan built for you. Your ideal volume depends on your experience, recovery, exercise selection, and goals, so treat the output as a sensible starting point and adjust based on how you respond and recover. For individualized programming, work with a qualified strength coach.