RPE chart for lifting
RPE 10 is a set with no reps left. RPE 9 is one rep left, and RPE 8 is two.
Updated October 2026
Percent of one-rep max by reps and RPE
| Reps | RPE 10 | RPE 9.5 | RPE 9 | RPE 8.5 | RPE 8 | RPE 7.5 | RPE 7 | RPE 6.5 | RPE 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% | 97.8% | 95.5% | 93.9% | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% |
| 2 | 95.5% | 93.9% | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% |
| 3 | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% |
| 4 | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% |
| 5 | 86.3% | 85% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% |
| 6 | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% |
| 7 | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.3% | 70.7% |
| 8 | 78.6% | 77.4% | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.3% | 70.7% | 69.4% | 68% |
| 9 | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.3% | 70.7% | 69.4% | 68% | 66.7% | 65.3% |
| 10 | 73.9% | 72.3% | 70.7% | 69.4% | 68% | 66.7% | 65.3% | 64% | 62.6% |
This is the commonly published RPE chart. An RPE 9 set of 5 has the same percent as an RPE 10 set of 6, and a half step falls between its neighbours. Treat it as a guide.
RPE and reps in reserve
| RPE | Reps left | How it feels |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0 | Maximum effort. You could not do another rep. |
| 9 | 1 | Very hard. One more rep, no more. |
| 8 | 2 | Hard, with form that holds. |
| 7 | 3 | Moderate. The weight moves fast. |
| 6 | 4 | Light to moderate. A strong warm-up. |
Questions
What does RPE mean in lifting?
RPE is rate of perceived exertion, on a scale of 1 to 10. For lifting, it is how hard a set was in terms of reps you had left. RPE 10 means no reps left. RPE 9 means one rep left. RPE 8 means two reps left.
What is RPE 8?
A set where you could have done about 2 more reps. It is hard, but you finished with form that held up. Many programs use RPE 7 to 9 for most work sets.
How do I use the RPE chart to pick a weight?
Find the reps and RPE you want, read the percent, and multiply your one-rep max by it. For 5 reps at RPE 8, the chart says 81.1%, so with a 300 lb max the weight is about 243 lb.
How accurate is the RPE chart?
It is an average. Your own numbers can be a few percent off, and judging RPE takes practice. Use it as a starting point, then adjust to what the set felt like.
More free tools
Lift does this maths for you
Lift is a strength log for iPhone. It fills in every set with the weight and reps that beat last time, works out your warm-ups, and tracks your estimated one-rep max for every lift. It is coming soon to the App Store.
About Lift