Pull-Up Test Norms
The pull-up test is a common measure of upper body strength. The norm table below gives you a general guide for expected scores. These pull-up test norms are only guidelines, to help you to classify pull-up test results.
There test score may be affected by the way that the bar can be held, either an overhand grip (palms facing away from the body) or underhand grip (palms facing towards the body) - see more about grip types. In addition, the pull-up score can depend on how closely the assessors enforce the procedures.
A Simple Pull-Up Norm Table
As there are several ways to do the test, your grip and body weight having an effect too, I have created my own pull-up norm table, not based on any science, just my experience, that can be used as a general guide.
| men | women | |
|---|---|---|
| elite | 21+ | 15+ |
| excellent | 14 - 20 | 10 - 14 |
| good | 8 - 13 | 5 - 9 |
| average | 5 - 7 | 2 - 4 |
| fair | 2 - 4 | 1 |
| poor | 1 | 0 |
| very poor | 0 | 0 |
Related Pages
- Description of how to conduct the pull-up test including links to variations of the test.
- POLL: Do you call it a chin-up or pull-up?
- Where to buy pull-up or chin-up bars.
- Chin up test videos
- World Records for Pull / Chin Ups
- Other fitness test norms
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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