Push-Up Standards for Ages 18-25 (Young Adults)

How many push-ups should you be able to do between 18 and 25? Find your exact age in the tables below for men and women, then test your rating.

The short answer

Between ages 18 and 25, about 19-34 full push-ups is average for men and about 11-19 for women. The exact numbers shift a little with each year of age, so check your row below.

These benchmarks assume standard full push-ups with a straight body line, controlled lowering, and full extension at the top. Test with the same form each time so your score is comparable from month to month.

Men: push-up standards by age

This is the peak window for push-up performance in men. Testosterone levels are at their highest, recovery is fast, and muscle-building potential is at its maximum. Young men in this age range can make rapid strength gains with consistent training. Military and first-responder fitness tests set their highest standards for this age group, reflecting the body's peak physical capacity. Training now builds a strength reserve that slows age-related decline later.

Age	Below Avg	Average	Above Avg	Elite
18	0-18	19-34	35-52	53+
19	0-19	20-34	35-51	52+
20	0-19	20-34	35-49	50+
21	0-19	20-34	35-49	50+
22	0-19	20-34	35-49	50+
23	0-19	20-34	35-49	50+
24	0-19	20-34	35-49	50+
25	0-19	20-34	35-49	50+

Women: push-up standards by age

Young women in their late teens and twenties are at their peak for building push-up strength. While absolute numbers may be lower than male counterparts, the rate of improvement can be just as impressive. This is an excellent time to establish a push-up habit and build towards ambitious goals. Many women in this age range progress from zero to 20+ push-ups within a few months of consistent training.

Age	Below Avg	Average	Above Avg	Elite
18	0-10	11-19	20-29	30+
19	0-10	11-19	20-28	29+
20	0-10	11-19	20-27	28+
21	0-10	11-19	20-27	28+
22	0-10	11-19	20-27	28+
23	0-10	11-19	20-27	28+
24	0-10	11-19	20-27	28+
25	0-10	11-19	20-27	28+

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Training Tips for Young Adults

Tips

•Train push-ups 3-4 times per week with progressive overload -- add reps, sets, or difficulty each week.
•Experiment with variations like diamond, wide-grip, and decline push-ups to build well-rounded strength.
•Pair push-ups with pulling exercises (rows, pull-ups) to maintain shoulder balance.
•Set specific goals (e.g., 50 consecutive push-ups) and track your progress.
•Fuel your training with adequate protein (0.7-1g per pound of bodyweight) and sleep (7-9 hours).

Considerations

•Avoid the temptation to train push-ups every single day -- recovery drives adaptation.
•If you sit at a desk for classes or work, warm up your shoulders and chest before push-up sessions.
•Shoulder impingement can develop from high-volume push-ups without opposing pulling work.
•Competition with peers is motivating but should not override proper form.

Other Age Groups

Teens: Ages 13-17

Adults: Ages 26-35

Middle-Aged: Ages 36-50

Mature Adults: Ages 51-60

Seniors: Ages 61-70

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many push-ups should a 20-year-old be able to do?+

For a 20-year-old male, 20-34 is average, 35-49 is above average, and 50+ is elite. For females, 11-19 is average, 20-27 is above average, and 28+ is elite. These are general benchmarks based on fitness assessment data.

Can push-ups alone build a muscular chest?+

Push-ups can build significant chest muscle, especially with progressive overload through variations (decline, weighted, pause reps). However, combining them with other chest exercises provides more complete development.

How fast can I improve my push-up count?+

Most young adults can add 10-20 push-ups to their max within 4-6 weeks of structured training. Beginners often see faster gains. A well-designed program with 3-4 sessions per week and progressive overload delivers the best results.

Should I do push-ups before or after weight training?+

If push-up performance is your priority, do them first when you are fresh. If push-ups are supplementary to weight training, they can go at the end of your session or on a separate day.

What is a good push-up goal for someone in their early twenties?+

A strong goal is 40-50 consecutive push-ups for men and 20-30 for women. Once you reach that level, consider progressing to harder variations like one-arm progressions or weighted push-ups.

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