RPE to Percentage Chart & Calculator
What is RPE?
RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) rates set difficulty from 6-10 based on reps left in the tank. RPE 10: max effort, 0 reps left (~100% 1RM). RPE 8: 2 reps left (~87% for 5 reps). Unlike fixed percentages, RPE adjusts to daily readiness - fatigue, sleep, stress - letting you autoregulate training loads.
RPE to Percentage of 1RM Chart
RPE 6–10 × 1–10 repsRead across from your RPE to the number of reps you did. The cell is your approximate percentage of 1RM. Example: RPE 8 × 5 reps = 80% 1RM.
| RPE | 1 rep | 2 reps | 3 reps | 4 reps | 5 reps | 6 reps | 7 reps | 8 reps | 9 reps | 10 reps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPE 10 | 100% | 97.5% | 95% | 92.5% | 90% | 87.5% | 85% | 82.5% | 80% | 77.5% |
| RPE 9.5 | 97.5% | 95% | 92.5% | 90% | 87.5% | 85% | 82.5% | 80% | 77.5% | 75% |
| RPE 9 | 95% | 92.5% | 90% | 87.5% | 85% | 82.5% | 80% | 77.5% | 75% | 72.5% |
| RPE 8.5 | 92.5% | 90% | 87.5% | 85% | 82.5% | 80% | 77.5% | 75% | 72.5% | 70% |
| RPE 8 | 90% | 87.5% | 85% | 82.5% | 80% | 77.5% | 75% | 72.5% | 70% | 67.5% |
| RPE 7.5 | 87.5% | 85% | 82.5% | 80% | 77.5% | 75% | 72.5% | 70% | 67.5% | 65% |
| RPE 7 | 85% | 82.5% | 80% | 77.5% | 75% | 72.5% | 70% | 67.5% | 65% | 62.5% |
| RPE 6.5 | 82.5% | 80% | 77.5% | 75% | 72.5% | 70% | 67.5% | 65% | 62.5% | 60% |
| RPE 6 | 80% | 77.5% | 75% | 72.5% | 70% | 67.5% | 65% | 62.5% | 60% | 57.5% |
Source: Reactive Training Systems (Tuchscherer) and Zourdos et al. (2016). Typical accuracy is ±3–5% for trained lifters. Use the calculator below for specific lookups, or grab the printable RPE percentage chart for your gym bag.
RPE Conversion
Reps actually completed at the specified RPE (1-10 range supported)
Quick Facts
RPE 6-10
RPE Range
Standard training scale
±3-5%
Accuracy
Typical conversion variance
Autoregulation
Key Benefit
Adjust to daily readiness
1973
Developed
Borg Scale foundation
RPE & Training Load FAQ
Scientific References
- Zourdos, M. C., et al. (2016). Novel resistance training-specific rating of perceived exertion scale measuring repetitions in reserve. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(1), 267-275. PubMed
- Tuchscherer, M. (2008). The Reactive Training Manual. Reactive Training Systems.
- Helms, E. R., et al. (2016). Application of the repetitions in reserve-based rating of perceived exertion scale for resistance training. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 38(4), 42-49.
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