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Calcimator

Meet Attempt Selector

Plan your opener, second, and third attempts for a powerlifting meet. Get smart attempt selection based on your training maxes with projected totals.

Inputs

lb
lb
lb

Results

Best-Case Total (3rd attempts)

1,065 lb

≈ 6 adults

Projected Total (2nd attempts)

1,002.5 lb

≈ 6 adults

Conservative Total (openers)940 lb
Squat Opener327.5 lb
Squat 2nd Attempt350 lb
Squat 3rd Attempt372.5 lb
Bench Opener230 lb
Bench 2nd Attempt245 lb
Bench 3rd Attempt260 lb
Deadlift Opener382.5 lb
Deadlift 2nd Attempt407.5 lb
Deadlift 3rd Attempt432.5 lb
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter your Training Maxes for Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift in pounds.
  2. Review opener, second, and third attempt recommendations for all three lifts.
  3. Use the Conservative Total (opener attempts) as your guaranteed minimum.
  4. Aim for the Projected Total (second attempts) as your realistic meet goal.
  5. Only attempt the Best-Case Total (third attempts) if all second attempts go smoothly.

How the result changes with Deadlift Training Max

Deadlift Training MaxBest-Case Total (3rd attempts)Projected Total (2nd attempts)
206842.5 lb792.5 lb
4821,125 lb1,057.5 lb
8131,462.5 lb1,375 lb
1,0901,745 lb1,642.5 lb

What each input means

Squat Training Max
Your best squat in training with good form. Not a grinder — use a weight you could hit on any day.
Bench Training Max
Your best paused bench press in training. Competition rules require a pause command.
Deadlift Training Max
Your best deadlift in training. This is your last lift at the meet — strategy matters most here.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    Squat Training Max = 365, Bench Training Max = 255, Deadlift Training Max = 425 = 3 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Best-Case Total
    Best-Case Total
    1065 = 1065
  3. Calculate Projected Total
    Projected Total
    1002.5 = 1002.5
  4. Calculate Conservative Total
    Conservative Total
    940 = 940
  5. Calculate Squat Opener
    Squat Opener = squat.opener
    327.5 = 327.5

Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests how we verify calculators.

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