Short answer: There is no single number everyone should achieve. Push-up results depend on age, sex, body size, training history, technique and test protocol. Compare yourself using the same form and rules over time.
Why average numbers disagree
Some tests use one minute, others use a cadence or allow repetitions until form fails. Norms describe how a tested group performed; standards define a required threshold. The Cooper Institute explains why those terms are not interchangeable.
A better personal benchmark
Warm up, choose one clear form standard and complete one set stopping when alignment or depth changes. Record the variation, count and protocol. Retest after two to four weeks under the same conditions.
What counts as good?
A useful score is one that improves while repetitions remain clean. Beginners can benchmark incline height and reps instead of forcing floor attempts. Experienced trainees can track maximum sets, cadence scores and total weekly volume.
Improve your score
Use submaximal sets two to four days weekly, avoid constant failure and follow push-up endurance training. For daily volume decisions, read how many push-ups a day.
Make your baseline the start of a quest
RepSaga records your push-up habit and turns the training between tests into RPG battles instead of waiting for one score to feel rewarding.
Frequently asked
How many push-ups can the average man do?
Published averages vary with age, sample and protocol, so the number is not universal.
Should beginners test maximum push-ups?
They can test a suitable incline variation, but repeatable training sets matter more than frequent maximum attempts.