Disclaimer: This calculator provides general health information and estimates for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it is not a substitute for care from a licensed healthcare provider. Results are based on population formulas and may not reflect your individual health status, medications, or medical conditions. Never use this tool to start, stop, or adjust any medication, treatment, diet, or exercise program without professional guidance. Any drug-dosing results are teaching aids only and must be independently verified against drug-specific protocols and confirmed by a licensed clinician or pharmacist before use. Always consult a physician, pharmacist, or registered dietitian for guidance specific to your situation.
Example Calculations
1Male, age 30, 25 push-ups
Inputs
Push-Ups25
Age30
GenderMale
Result
RatingGood
Percentile~75th
Age Group30–39
For males age 30–39, 22–29 push-ups falls in the "Good" category. 25 is in the middle of the band, placing around the 75th percentile.
2Female, age 45, 15 push-ups
Inputs
Push-Ups15
Age45
GenderFemale
Result
RatingGood
Percentile~80th
Age Group40–49
For females age 40–49, 15–23 push-ups rates as "Good." At 15 reps, you are at the lower end of the Good range, around the 80th percentile.
3Male, age 55, 10 push-ups
Inputs
Push-Ups10
Age55
GenderMale
Result
RatingAbove Average
Percentile~65th
Age Group50–59
For males age 50–59, 10–12 push-ups is "Above Average." You need 3 more push-ups (13) to reach the "Good" category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
How many push-ups should I be able to do for my age?
Push-up norms vary by age and gender. A 30-year-old male scoring "Good" does 22–29 reps. A 30-year-old female scoring "Good" does 20–26 reps. Performance naturally decreases with age.
Males age 20–29: "Good" is 29–35 push-ups, "Excellent" is 36+ push-ups
Males age 40–49: "Good" is 17–24 push-ups, "Excellent" is 25+ push-ups
Males age 50–59: "Good" is 13–20 push-ups, "Excellent" is 21+ push-ups
Females generally use modified (knee) push-up norms in ACSM standards
The test counts continuous reps without rest — stopping ends the test
Age Group
Excellent (Male)
Good (Male)
Average (Male)
20–29
36+
29–35
17–21
30–39
30+
22–29
12–16
40–49
25+
17–24
10–12
50–59
21+
13–20
7–9
60–69
18+
11–17
5–7
Q
How do I properly perform a push-up test?
The standard push-up test follows ACSM protocol: start in a plank position with arms extended, lower until your chin or chest touches the floor, then push back up. Count every complete rep without pausing.
Start position: hands shoulder-width apart, arms fully extended, body in a straight line
Lower phase: bend elbows until chest nearly touches the floor (or chin touches)
Push phase: extend arms fully to return to start position — that counts as 1 rep
The test ends when you stop or cannot complete a full rep with proper form
Males perform standard push-ups from toes; females may use modified (from knees)
No rest is allowed between reps — pausing terminates the test
Q
What do push-up test results indicate about my fitness?
The push-up test measures upper body muscular endurance, specifically the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Your rating indicates how your muscular endurance compares to population norms for your age and gender.
Excellent: top 5% of the population — exceptional upper body endurance
Good: top 20% — above-average fitness level for your age group
Above Average: top 35% — better than most people your age
Average: middle 50th percentile — typical fitness for your demographic
Below Average: bottom 30% — room for improvement with consistent training
Poor: bottom 10% — indicates a need for focused strength-building
Q
How can I improve my push-up count?
Consistent training with progressive overload can dramatically improve push-up performance. Most people can add 10–15 reps within 4–6 weeks of dedicated training.
Grease the groove: do 50–70% of max reps multiple times throughout the day
Progressive sets: 3–4 sets to failure, 3 times per week with 48-hour rest between
Incline push-ups: use a bench or wall to build up strength if standard reps are low
Negative push-ups: lower slowly for 5 seconds, then push up — builds eccentric strength
Week-over-week, aim to add 1–2 reps per set for steady improvement
Diamond and wide-grip variations target different muscles for balanced development
Q
Are push-up norms different for military fitness tests?
Yes. Military push-up tests use different scoring criteria than ACSM norms. Most branches allow 2 minutes to complete as many reps as possible, with higher minimums for passing.
Army APFT: minimum 42 push-ups in 2 minutes for males age 17–21 (max score: 71+)
Marine Corps PFT: push-ups are part of a broader fitness assessment
Navy PRT: age-adjusted scoring with different categories than ACSM
This calculator uses ACSM/CSEP civilian norms, not military standards
Military tests typically require continuous reps within a time limit
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.
