How many push-ups by age?

How Many Push-Ups Should You Be Able to Do by Age?

Push-ups are a simple yet effective measure of upper body strength and endurance. They’re often used in fitness assessments because they require no equipment—just your body and determination. But how many push-ups should you realistically be able to do as you age? The answer varies by gender and fitness level, but general benchmarks can help give you a sense of where you stand.

According to common fitness standards, a 25-year-old woman should aim for around 20 push-ups, while a man of the same age might aim for 28. As we get older, natural declines in muscle mass and strength mean those numbers tend to drop. By age 35, women average about 19, and men around 21. At 45, that shifts to 14 for women and 16 for men. By 55, the expected numbers fall further—to about 10 for women and 12 for men.

These numbers aren’t set in stone. Many people exceed them with regular strength training, while others may fall short due to lifestyle or inactivity. The key isn’t just hitting a number—it’s improving over time. A 50-year-old who can do more than the average 16 push-ups is likely in excellent shape.

Remember: Push-up performance reflects more than age—it's influenced by overall fitness, body composition, and training consistency. If you're below the average for your age, don’t worry. The great thing about push-ups is that with practice, most people can improve quickly. Start with what you can do—whether it's five or fifteen—and build from there.

Ultimately, being able to do more push-ups is less about keeping up with benchmarks and more about building functional strength that supports a healthier, more resilient body at any age.