About ToolSite
Accurate, free RPE tools for powerlifters, strength coaches, and athletes who take training seriously.
Why We Built This
MyRPECalculator was built by a team of competitive powerlifters and certified strength coaches who were frustrated by the gap between what the research says about autoregulation and what the average lifter actually has access to. The tools we use to program — the Brzycki formula, RPE-to-RIR mapping, training zone classification — should be available to everyone, not just athletes with a coach or a subscription to a premium programming app.
Rate of Perceived Exertion-based training, popularised in powerlifting by Mike Tuchscherer at Reactive Training Systems, has been validated by peer-reviewed research as producing strength gains equivalent to percentage-based programming — with lower injury risk and better long-term adherence. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has endorsed autoregulation methods in their guidelines for intermediate and advanced athletes. The evidence is clear.
What wasn't clear was a free, clean, accurate implementation of these calculations. So we built one. Every formula in our RPE calculator is documented, sourced, and verifiable against the research it's based on. We don't guess. We don't invent numbers. We apply established exercise science to give you training data you can actually use.
What We Stand For
Niche Expertise
We focus exclusively on strength training tools. Every calculation, every piece of content, and every data source is vetted against current exercise science research and real-world powerlifting practice.
Free, Always
There are no premium tiers, no paywalls, and no mandatory sign-ups. Accurate autoregulation tools should be accessible to every athlete, not just those who can afford a coach or subscription.
Accuracy First
Our RPE calculator uses the Brzycki formula, validated across multiple peer-reviewed studies. Sources are cited on every tool page. If we find a better method, we update — and document the change.
Education Over Engagement
We want you to understand why these numbers matter, not just copy them into your training log. Our blog and tool explanations are written by coaches who train lifters, not by content marketers.
Built for All Levels
Whether you're a beginner learning what RPE means or a competitive powerlifter preparing for an IPF qualifier, the same tool serves you. The formulas don't care about your experience level.
Editorial Process
All content is reviewed by members of our team who have hands-on experience programming and competing. We cross-reference every factual claim against primary sources before publishing.
The Research Behind the Calculator
Our RPE calculator is built on the Brzycki formula (1993), the RPE-to-RIR framework developed by Mike Tuchscherer at Reactive Training Systems, and training zone classifications consistent with NSCA guidelines. The primary peer-reviewed sources we reference include:
- Tuchscherer, M. — The Reactive Training Manual (Reactive Training Systems)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association — Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning
- Helms et al. (2016) — RPE-Based Training in Powerlifting, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
- Brzycki, M. (1993) — Strength Testing: Predicting a One-Rep Max from Reps-to-Fatigue, JOPERD
Get in Touch
Found a calculation error, have a question about RPE programming, or want to suggest a feature? We read every message.
contact@example.com