Push-Up Fitness Calculator
The maximum push-up test is one of the most accessible and widely used measures of upper body muscular endurance. Unlike weighted strength tests, it requires no equipment and can be performed anywhere. Your push-up score is rated against age and sex normative data developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), which provides some of the most comprehensive and widely cited fitness norms available. Ratings range from needs improvement through excellent, giving you a clear benchmark. Enter your sex, age group, and the number of consecutive push-ups you completed without rest. Form must be strict: full range of motion, body straight, no pausing at the top. The calculator returns your fitness rating and the thresholds for each level.
Push-up norms (CSEP)
Male: 20-29: Excellent 47+, Good 35-46, Average 25-34, Fair 16-24, Needs Work <16
Male: 30-39: Excellent 41+, Good 30-40, Average 21-29, Fair 12-20, Needs Work <12
Male: 40-49: Excellent 34+, Good 24-33, Average 16-23, Fair 9-15, Needs Work <9
Male: 50-59: Excellent 28+, Good 19-27, Average 12-18, Fair 6-11, Needs Work <6
Male: 60-69: Excellent 22+, Good 14-21, Average 8-13, Fair 3-7, Needs Work <3
Female: 20-29: Excellent 36+, Good 27-35, Average 18-26, Fair 10-17, Needs Work <10
Female: 30-39: Excellent 31+, Good 22-30, Average 14-21, Fair 7-13, Needs Work <7
Female: 40-49: Excellent 24+, Good 16-23, Average 10-15, Fair 4-9, Needs Work <4
Female: 50-59: Excellent 21+, Good 13-20, Average 7-12, Fair 2-6, Needs Work <2
Female: 60-69: Excellent 17+, Good 11-16, Average 5-10, Fair 1-4, Needs Work <1
Frequently asked questions
How many push-ups should I be able to do?
Standards vary by age and sex. For men aged 20 to 29, excellent is 47 or more push-ups. For women aged 20 to 29, excellent is 36 or more. Standards decline with age. The CSEP provides the most widely cited normative tables.
What is the correct push-up form for testing?
Hands slightly wider than shoulder width, body in a straight line from head to heels, lower until the chest touches or nearly touches the floor, then push to full arm extension. Modified push-ups (knees on floor) use separate female norms in some protocols.
How does the push-up test relate to fitness?
The maximum push-up test is a valid measure of upper body muscular endurance and relative strength. It correlates with cardiovascular fitness and is used in military, fire service, law enforcement, and public health fitness assessments.
How can I increase my push-up count?
Train push-ups 3 to 4 times per week, starting from your current level and adding 2 to 3 reps per set per week. Accessory exercises such as bench press, dips, and core work all contribute. Ensure adequate rest between sessions.
Is there a standard push-up test protocol?
The Canadian Physical Activity and Fitness and Lifestyle Approach (CPAFLA) uses a maximum-rep protocol: perform as many full push-ups as possible without rest. The U.S. Army Physical Fitness Test uses a 2-minute timed push-up test. This calculator uses the maximum-rep protocol.
Official sources
- Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology: CSEP Physical Activity Guidelines.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Physical Activity Basics.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.