How to use the intensity technique volume load calculator
This page puts a number on how much a set's total volume load rises once you add cheat reps or forced reps. Enter the load, the reps you completed unassisted, the forced or cheat reps you added and the number of sets, and you get the volume load for each portion plus the percentage increase. Add a drop set load and reps and the comparison includes that portion as well.
The arithmetic is load times reps times sets, and the increase is the forced portion divided by the unassisted portion (current as of October 2026). During forced reps a spotter carries part of the weight, so the amount your muscles actually handled is lower than the figure shown; that limitation is printed under the results too.
Safety note: cheat reps and forced reps are advanced techniques that continue a set past the point of failure. Never attempt forced reps without a spotter who can take the weight. Grinding out extra reps once your form has broken down carries a high risk of shoulder, lower back and elbow injury. They are not recommended if you are new to training or if your technique on the lift is not yet stable. This calculator works out volume load only; it does not say how many forced reps are acceptable or which technique is better.
Frequently asked questions
This calculator does not say. There is no recognised standard for the right number, and the same count becomes a completely different set depending on how much the spotter helps. It only works out the volume load for the count you enter.
Forced reps are not recommended alone. Once you are past failure with nobody to take the weight, you risk being pinned under a barbell or dumbbell. If you train by yourself, reduce the load instead.
No. During forced reps the spotter lifts part of the weight, so what the muscle handled is less. The figure shown is closer to an upper bound of load multiplied by reps.