Evidence-based International normative data 2.4M+ adults Methodology referenced
Understanding your grip strength result
Handgrip strength is a practical measure of maximal isometric force produced by the hand and forearm. It is widely used in occupational health, rehabilitation, sports science, research and population-health settings because it is quick, objective and easy to repeat when a consistent protocol is used.
This Cartwright assessment compares your strongest recorded grip with international age- and sex-specific reference values. The underlying dataset includes more than 2.4 million adults from 69 countries and regions.
What does the percentile mean?A 70th-percentile result means the recorded grip strength is higher than approximately 70% of people in the same age and sex reference group. Percentiles are for benchmarking rather than diagnosis.
| Percentile | Classification |
|---|
| Below 20th | Low |
| 20th–39th | Somewhat low |
| 40th–59th | Moderate |
| 60th–79th | Somewhat high |
| 80th and above | High |
How to measure grip strength correctly
Grip-strength values are affected by the dynamometer used, body position, handle adjustment, number of attempts and the way the result is recorded. For professional use, consistency matters.
Recommended testing procedure
- Use a suitable, calibrated handgrip dynamometer and adjust the handle to the participant’s hand.
- Test seated with the shoulder neutral, elbow flexed to approximately 90°, and forearm in a neutral position.
- Test both hands under the same conditions.
- Complete three maximal attempts per hand.
- Use the maximum recorded value for comparison with the international norms used in this tool.
When monitoring change over time, use the same equipment, position, protocol and environmental conditions wherever possible.
Grip strength normative data
Grip strength varies substantially across adulthood and between male and female reference groups. Rather than using a single “normal” value, this tool compares results with the appropriate five-year age band.
| Reference group | Peak median absolute grip strength |
|---|
| Male | Approximately 49.7 kg |
| Female | Approximately 29.7 kg |
These peak values are not universal targets. A 65-year-old should not be benchmarked against a 30-year-old, which is why age-specific comparison is essential.
Left vs right grip strength
Differences between hands are common. Hand dominance can influence grip strength, but the dominant hand is not always the stronger hand.
This tool reports the percentage difference between left and right hands but does not apply a universal “abnormal” threshold. The commonly quoted 10% rule should not be treated as a diagnostic cut-off because bilateral differences vary between individuals and testing contexts.
Professional interpretationAn unexpected or substantial difference may warrant further assessment when it is accompanied by pain, injury, neurological symptoms or functional limitation.
Why measure grip strength?
Occupational health
Grip testing can contribute to functional and workplace health assessment where hand or upper-limb capability is relevant.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Repeated measurements can provide an objective way to track strength during rehabilitation when the same protocol and device are used consistently.
Sport and human performance
Grip strength may be useful in sports and activities involving gripping, pulling or upper-body force production.
Research and healthy ageing
Handgrip strength is widely used in population research and as a practical marker of physical capability across adulthood.
Choosing a professional grip dynamometer
For professional testing, the measurement instrument should provide repeatable readings, an appropriate measurement range, suitable handle adjustment and a protocol-compatible design. Results from different dynamometers are not always directly interchangeable.
Professional grip strength equipmentExplore Takei handgrip dynamometers and related professional assessment equipment.
View Grip DynamometersFrequently asked questions
What is a good grip strength?
There is no single universal value. Appropriate comparison depends on age, sex, device and testing protocol, which is why percentile benchmarking is more useful than a generic “good” threshold.
Which hand should I test?
For professional assessment, test both hands. This provides both a maximal grip value and useful information about bilateral differences.
How many attempts should I perform?
For comparison with the international norms used here, complete three maximal attempts per hand and use the maximum recorded result.
Should my dominant hand be 10% stronger?
Not necessarily. Hand dominance influences strength, but individual variation is substantial and the 10% rule should not be treated as an absolute threshold.
Can grip strength diagnose a medical condition?
No. Grip strength can contribute to clinical and functional assessment, but this tool is intended for professional benchmarking and education rather than diagnosis.
Can I compare results from different dynamometers?
Use caution. Different devices and protocols can produce different measurements. For monitoring, use the same equipment and standardised procedure wherever possible.
Scientific methodology & references
Primary normative reference: Tomkinson GR et al. International norms for adult handgrip strength: A systematic review of data on 2.4 million adults aged 20 to 100+ years from 69 countries and regions. Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2025;14:101014.
View the international grip-strength norms study
Measurement methodology: Grip-strength studies show that protocol variation can materially affect results, reinforcing the importance of standardised positioning, equipment and repetition.
View grip-strength measurement protocol research
- Methodology reviewed: August 2026
- Calculator version: 1.0
- Purpose: Professional education and benchmarking
- Normative population: Adults aged 20–100+
