How Many Pull-Ups Can the Average Person Do?
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How Many Pull-Ups Can the Average Person Do?

While there are no established averages, there are still ideas around what different pull-up routines look like based on your ability level.
How Many Pull-Ups Can the Average Person Do?
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Updated on August 7, 2025
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Pull-ups are an exercise traditionally used to measure upper-body strength and endurance. The average number of pull-ups a person can do typically depends on their current age and other factors.

A pull-up is performed by gripping an elevated straight bar with an overhand grip and pulling up so that your chin is at bar level.

Unfortunately, there aren’t pull-up statistics to determine the exact number of pull-ups a person can typically perform on average. This number is influenced by age, overall health, and level of fitness.

Set Your Own Goals

While there are no reliable averages regarding how many pull-ups a person should be able to do, the National Academy of Sports Medicine defines a beginner pull-up routine as two to three sets of five to eight reps, and an intermediate or advanced routine as three to four sets of 8 to 12 reps.

If you’re having trouble completing your first rep, try using a band looped around the bar with one foot in it to help get your chin over the bar. You could also jump up to place your chin over the bar and then, very slowly, lower yourself.

Rather than comparing your performance to that of top athletes, consider competing against yourself. Try setting a personal best — and then working to beat it.

The Takeaway

  • There are currently no reliable averages regarding the total number of pull-ups a person should be able to do.
  • A beginner pull-up routine could be defined as two to three sets of five to eight reps, and an intermediate or advanced routine as three to four sets of 8 to 12 reps.
  • Try setting — and beating — your own personal bests and competing against yourself, rather than comparing your performance to that of others.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Mahaffey K. Chin-Ups vs. Pull-Ups: The Difference, the Benefits, and Muscles Worked. National Academy of Sports Medicine.
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Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN

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Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN, is the director of health promotion for Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. She is also licensed as an exercise physiologist and certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her experience includes corporate wellness, teaching for the American College of Sports Medicine, sports nutrition, weight management, integrative medicine, oncology support, and dialysis.

She earned her master's in exercise and nutrition science at Lipscomb University.

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Joshua Bailey has been writing articles since 2006 with work appearing at Bodybuilding.com and 2athletes.com. Bailey holds the following certifications: NASM-CPT, NASM-PES, NASM-CES and NSCA-CSCS. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and a Master of Science in exercise physiology from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

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