Deadlift 1RM notes
Deadlift estimates should be conservative because the lift is expensive to recover from and high-rep sets change the limiter. A set of ten deadlifts often fails because grip, breathing, and spinal erector fatigue build up before absolute pulling strength is fully tested. For deadlift, one to five reps is the most useful input range.
Conventional and sumo deadlifts are not the same movement. Sumo often has a shorter range of motion, sometimes around 15%, but it demands a more precise start position and stronger hip opening. Straps, mixed grip, and hook grip also change the practical number. If straps turn a failed set into a completed set, your strapped 1RM and meet-legal 1RM should be tracked separately.
Do not grind deadlift singles often just to validate a calculator. A crisp triple with the same setup is usually enough to update a training max. If your estimated 1RM jumps after a high-rep set but warm-ups still feel slow, keep the lower number for programming and let the next block confirm the gain.
Deadlift percentages also depend on the block's fatigue cost. A true 90% deadlift can feel much harder than a 90% bench press because the whole posterior chain and grip are involved. If the percentage table puts too much heavy pulling into the week, use a training max 5-10% below the estimate and save the highest intensities for singles, doubles, or meet-specific practice.
How the estimate works for this lift
e1RM still shows all six formulas because no single model owns the truth. Use the formula spread as a confidence range, keep the movement standard consistent, and round the result to loadable plates before building the percentage table.
For percentage programming, keep the same input style for at least one training block. Changing grip, stance, equipment, tempo, or range of motion can make the calculated max look like progress even when the actual adaptation is smaller. Consistency makes the calculator useful and keeps week-to-week comparisons honest over time.