The RTS RPE Chart Explained — Percentages and Formula
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Full bio →Background
Mike Tuchscherer developed the RTS RPE chart through empirical observation of elite powerlifters over many training cycles. The percentages represent the fraction of a lifter’s 1RM that corresponds to a given reps-at-RPE combination.
The chart was published as part of the Reactive Training Systems manual and has become the standard reference for RPE-based programming across competitive powerlifting.
The Formula
Given weight lifted (W), reps (R), and RPE:
e1RM = W ÷ (RPE_pct / 100)Where RPE_pct is the table value. For example:
- 225 lbs × 5 reps @ RPE 8 → RPE_pct = 81.1%
- e1RM = 225 ÷ 0.811 = 277.4 lbs
To find target weight for a given reps/RPE:
Target Weight = e1RM × (target_RPE_pct / 100)Round to the nearest 2.5 lbs (1.25 kg) for practical loading.
Full RTS Table
| 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% | 85.0% | 83.7% |
| 3 | 92.2% | 90.7% | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85.0% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% |
| 4 | 89.2% | 87.8% | 86.3% | 85.0% | 83.7% | 82.4% | 81.1% | 79.9% | 78.6% |
| 5 | 86.3% | 85.0% | 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% | 68.0% |
| 9 | 76.2% | 75.1% | 73.9% | 72.3% | 70.7% | 69.4% | 68.0% | 66.7% | 65.3% |
| 10 | 73.9% | 72.3% | 70.7% | 69.4% | 68.0% | 66.7% | 65.3% | 64.0% | 62.6% |
| 11 | 70.7% | 69.4% | 68.0% | 66.7% | 65.3% | 64.0% | 62.6% | 61.2% | 59.8% |
| 12 | 68.0% | 66.7% | 65.3% | 64.0% | 62.6% | 61.2% | 59.8% | 58.4% | 57.4% |
Interpreting the Table
Each step of 0.5 RPE represents approximately 1.5–2% change in 1RM percentage. Each additional rep at the same RPE represents roughly 2.5–3.5% decrease in percentage.
These relationships are not perfectly linear — fatigue compounds at higher rep ranges, and individual differences in fiber type affect the rep-to-rep drop-off. The table is most accurate for reps 1–5.
Limitations
- Accuracy decreases at reps above 6 and RPE below 7 due to increased individual variability
- New lifters cannot reliably rate their own RPE until ~6 months of consistent training
- The table applies to competition-style compound lifts; isolation exercises have different fatigue profiles
- Daily readiness affects actual 1RM by 5–10%, making the same weight feel like different RPEs on different days