How Many Push-Ups Should I Be Able to Do?

Push-up fitness standards vary by gender and age.

Push-Up Standards Show a Range

Several fitness-centered organizations publish standards for push-ups. The Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT, shows 35 reps as a 50th percentile, or average score, for males ages 17 to 21. Average performance standards decrease with age: 31 reps for ages 22 to 26; 30 reps, ages 27 to 31; 26 reps, ages 32 to 36. For women, 50th percentile is 13 reps for ages 17 to 21; 11 reps, ages 22 to 26, 10 reps, ages 27 to 31, and nine reps, ages 32 to 36. These are moderate score levels and standards for more fit levels are much higher.

Experts Advise a Focus on Growth

Established standards for push-ups are intended to serve as a guide of basic fitness. Your actual performance can vary significantly based on overall health, experience with exercise, and other unique traits. Your best use of push-up tests is to gauge your improvement in fitness and performance over time.

Bottom Line

Push-ups are widely considered one of the best overall fitness exercises and tests. A correct push-up entails physical strength, aerobic and physical endurance, and determination. While standards tables offer a basic depiction for reference, of most importance is your ability to increase your push-ups over time to become more fit.

References

• Army Study Guide: APFT Male Push-Up Standards
• Army Study Guide: APFT Female Push-Up Standards
• Top End Sports: Push Up Test: Home Fitness Tests

Resources

• ExRx: Push Up Test