Push-Up Fitness Test
Continuous, full-range push-ups without resting — chest to floor, full extension
Push-Up Norms by Age Group — Men
Number of full push-ups in one set without rest
| Age | Poor (≤25th) | Fair (26–50th) | Good (51–75th) | Very Good (76–90th) | Excellent (91st+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17–19 | ≤18 | 19–27 | 28–36 | 37–47 | 48+ |
| 20–29 | ≤16 | 17–21 | 22–28 | 29–35 | 36+ |
| 30–39 | ≤11 | 12–16 | 17–21 | 22–28 | 29+ |
| 40–49 | ≤9 | 10–13 | 14–17 | 18–24 | 25+ |
| 50–59 | ≤7 | 8–11 | 12–14 | 15–20 | 21+ |
| 60+ | ≤5 | 6–8 | 9–11 | 12–16 | 17+ |
How Many Push-Ups Should You Be Able to Do?
Push-ups are one of the most efficient measures of relative upper body strength-endurance — and unlike bench press, they require no equipment and can be done anywhere. A landmark 2019 study in JAMA Network Open of 1,104 male firefighters found that those who could complete 40+ push-ups had a 96% lower risk of cardiovascular events over 10 years compared to those who could do fewer than 10. This association held after adjusting for age, BMI, and activity level.
Military Push-Up Standards (US Army ACFT)
The US Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT, 2020) replaced push-ups with the Hand Release Push-Up — 2-second release at the bottom, full extension at top. Minimum passing for age 17–21: 42 reps. For age 52–56: 18 reps. Maximum score (100 points): 60 reps regardless of age. British Army: 44 push-ups in 2 minutes for males under 30, minimum.