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Grip Strength Standards by Age

Compare your highest single dynamometer reading with population reference percentiles derived from pooled, statistically harmonized international data. Percentiles describe this study’s reference distribution; they are not a diagnosis or a prediction of health or lifespan.

Reference category
Selects the corresponding category published by the study.
kg
Height optional
Used only for the separate Table 3 kg/m² comparison.

What grip strength measures

Handgrip strength records the force produced in a maximal squeeze. It can be useful for tracking change when the same equipment and procedure are repeated.

How to measure

Use a hydraulic dynamometer while seated, with the elbow flexed, forearm neutral, and handle adjusted to the hand. Test both hands three times and enter the highest single reading across all attempts. Use the same device, handle setting, position, and procedure for repeat tests; different methods may produce different readings.

How to read these percentiles

Table 2 compares absolute grip in kg from the published 5th through 95th percentile. Optional height produces a separate Table 3 comparison in kg/m². Research percentiles are not clinical low-strength thresholds, and this page does not calculate or combine EWGSOP2 cutoffs.

The Older Adult Grip Strength Calculator reports an NHANES-style combined value—the best left plus the best right. That sum cannot be entered here as a single-hand reading.

International grip-strength reference tables

Reproduced from Tables 2 and 3 of Tomkinson GR, Lang JJ, Rubín L, et al. (2025); DOI 10.1016/j.jshs.2024.101014. Source values are retained at one decimal place.

Table 2: absolute handgrip strength — male reference category

Table 2: absolute handgrip strength — female reference category

Table 3: height-adjusted handgrip strength — male reference category

Table 3: height-adjusted handgrip strength — female reference category

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