What is the RPE to percentage chart?

The RPE to percentage chart (Tuchscherer chart) shows the percentage of your 1-rep max corresponding to a given weight, rep count and RPE. For example, 5 reps at RPE 8 equals approximately 80% of your 1RM. It is used in powerlifting to calculate training weights without testing your 1RM every week.

How do you convert RPE to percentage?

To convert RPE to a percentage of 1RM, use the Tuchscherer table: find your rep count row and RPE column. The intersection gives your percentage. For example, 3 reps at RPE 9 = 90% of 1RM. You can also use a free RPE calculator to do this automatically.

What percentage is RPE 8?

The percentage for RPE 8 depends on how many reps you performed. At 1 rep, RPE 8 = 89% of 1RM. At 3 reps, RPE 8 = 85%. At 5 reps, RPE 8 = 80%. At 8 reps, RPE 8 = 74%. Use the full Tuchscherer RPE percentage chart for all rep and RPE combinations.

What is the difference between the RPE chart and the Prilepin chart?

The RPE chart (Tuchscherer) is based on subjective effort (how hard a set feels) and is dynamic — the weight changes daily based on how you feel. The Prilepin chart prescribes fixed rep ranges for fixed intensity zones (e.g. 70-80% for 3-6 reps). RPE is more flexible and better suited to daily autoregulation.

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Published: April 25, 2026 • Reading time: 8 minutes • Category: RPE Charts & Tools

RPE to Percentage Chart

The complete % of 1RM lookup table for every RPE (6–10) and rep count (1–12). Filter by reps or RPE to find your exact training weight instantly.

How to Use This Chart

Find your number of reps in the left column, then read across to your RPE target. The percentage shown is your target weight as a fraction of your 1-rep max. Example: 5 reps @ RPE 8 = 80% of your 1RM.

Filter by Reps: Highlight RPE:

Reps	RPE 6	RPE 6.5	RPE 7	RPE 7.5	RPE 8	RPE 8.5	RPE 9	RPE 9.5	RPE 10

Source: Tuchscherer RPE table. Percentages represent % of estimated 1RM.

Calculate Your Exact Training Weight

Enter your weight, reps and RPE into our free calculator to instantly get your e1RM, backoff sets and warm-up ramp.

Open RPE Calculator →

What is an RPE Percentage Chart?

An RPE percentage chart converts the subjective RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) scale into objective percentages of your one-rep maximum (1RM). It answers the practical question every strength athlete faces: "If my programme says 4×5 @ RPE 8, how much weight should I use?"

The chart is built from the Tuchscherer RPE table, which maps each combination of rep count and RPE to a specific % of 1RM. Because your 1RM changes day to day based on recovery, sleep and stress, using RPE-based percentages is more accurate than fixed percentages alone.

How to Read the RPE to Percentage Chart

Find your rep count in the left column.
Move across to your target RPE column.
Multiply that percentage by your current 1RM.
That's the weight to put on the bar.

Worked Example

Scenario	Reps	RPE	% of 1RM	Weight (1RM = 200 kg)
Heavy single	1	RPE 9	96%	192 kg
Working set	5	RPE 8	80%	160 kg
Volume work	8	RPE 7	72%	144 kg
Backoff set	10	RPE 6	64%	128 kg

RPE Scale Reference

Easy

4+ reps in reserve. Warm-up & technique work.

Moderate

3 reps in reserve. Volume & hypertrophy work.

Hard

2 reps in reserve. Main working sets.

Very Hard

1 rep in reserve. Heavy strength sets.

Max Effort

0 reps in reserve. True max, comp day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RPE should I train at?

For most working sets, RPE 7–8 is the sweet spot — hard enough to drive adaptation, moderate enough to allow recovery. Reserve RPE 9–10 for testing or competition peaks. Beginners should stay at RPE 6–7 while learning movement patterns.

Is the RPE percentage chart the same for everyone?

No. The chart represents average lifter values based on research by Mike Tuchscherer. Individual fatigue sensitivity varies — some lifters find higher reps feel harder relative to their 1RM, others do not. Use the chart as a starting point and adjust based on experience.

What's the difference between RPE and RIR?

RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and RIR (Reps in Reserve) are inversely related. RIR is the number of reps left before failure; RPE = 10 − RIR. Both describe the same effort — RIR is more concrete for beginners, RPE is more widely used in powerlifting programmes.

Can I use this chart for bench press, squat and deadlift?

Yes. The Tuchscherer RPE chart applies to all barbell movements. Note that most lifters have slightly different RIR accuracy across lifts — deadlift fatigue is often underestimated, so some coaches add 0.5 RPE to deadlift prescriptions.

How do I convert RPE to a specific weight?

Multiply the chart percentage by your current estimated 1RM. Use our free RPE calculator to automate this — enter any recent set (weight + reps + RPE) and it instantly calculates your e1RM and suggests weights for any target RPE and rep count.