So you’d like to know how much weight a pull-up bar can hold?

One of the ways to secure a safe and successful pull-up workout is to know how much weight the bar can support.

But…

It’s not as easy as you think!

Firstly, you must know that there are different types of pull-up bars and each type comes with a different weight limit.

Additionally, each type comes with a ton of different brands and models each unique and different than the rest…

But even so, there are some general rules and tricks you can use in order to find out how much weight can a separate pull-up bar handle.

By knowing how much weight can a pull-up bar hold, you can easily determine which pull-up bar is for you, avoid possible injuries, and most importantly be safe even if you decide to use extra weight!

If you stick with me till the end you are going to learn:

• How much weight each pull-up bar type can hold…
• Which pull-up bar type to best use on certain situations…
• How to test the pull-up bars’ strength…
• Other considerations in using a pull-up bar…
• And many more.

But even the toughest pull-up bar will be completely useless if you don’t know how to use it properly…

That’s why I highly recommend you to take 3 seconds and download our 100% Free guide Pull Up Bar Training 101: Everything You Need To Know.

It contains solid advice that will boost your pull-ups and skyrocket your results in no time. To get it simply enter your email below and click the big red button.

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Hi there, my name is Bozhidar, and luckily for you, I have used all 5 different types of pull-up bars I have mentioned above and have tested how much weight all of them can hold.

Using scientific, personal, and common knowledge, I will try my best to shed light on pull-up bar weight capacity.

So please stick with me till the end if you want to learn everything important.

How Much Weight Can a Pull-Up Bar Hold?

The average weight that a pull-up bar can hold is around 500 pounds. Depending on the type, materials, and quality the weight limit can go highest for up to 1000 pounds or lowest to 170 pounds.

Why do pull-up bar types vary in the weight they handle?

This is determined by a number of factors [1]. While some of these factors have to do with the bar alone, most have to do with outside features.    

Here are factors that affect a bar’s weight limit:

• Design and other features (e.g., leverage-mounted vs. telescopic design)
• Brand
• Attachments
• Type of material used (e.g., iron, stainless steel, metal, etc.)
• The capacity of the anchor to support the weight (e.g., door frame/way, tree trunk/branch, wall, ceiling, etc.)
• Presence of brackets in the door frame/way
• And many more.

If I weigh 125 pounds, which bar capacity should I choose?

According to science [2], the ideal bar should handle 1.5 times your weight. So, if you weigh 125 pounds, you have to secure a bar that has a weight limit of 187.5.

How do I know if both the bar and the anchor can fully support my weight?

You will know if both the bar and the anchor can fully support your weight if you test them.

The bar’s weight limit is stated in its package when you buy it. This should be the first step to finding out your bar’s capacity.

Testing is mainly using the bar, but only gradually.

Now…

For the anchor: the first thing to do is determine which anchor you are attaching your bar into. That is because; each anchor requires different testing methods.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Which type of pull-up bar am I using?
• Where is the bar type intended to be attached?
• What is the current nature of the anchor?

Once, you answer these questions; proceed into testing the anchor/s…

Click this link to learn how to find out if a door can support a pull-up bar.

Are you ready to find out how much weight a pull-up bar can handle?

We’re definitely getting there, but for now…

Let’s learn about the different types of pull-up bar!

5 Pull-Up Bar Types You Probably Didn’t Know About

Pull-up bars vary depending on their design, brand, type, etc. It is highly recommended that you look first and foremost into their type.

If you know the types, you’ll know:

• Where the bar is to be attached
• How the bar is to be attached
• What other attachments the bar has
• How much weight the bar can hold

Certainly, there aren’t only 2, but a total of 5 pull-up bar types out there.

The 5 pull-up bar types include the:

1. Doorway Pull-Up Bar
2. Door Frame Pull-Up Bar
3. Ceiling Pull-Up Bar
4. Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar
5. Outdoor Pull-Up Bar

Are you ready to know how much weight each type can hold?

Read on to find out…

How Much Weight Can a Doorway Pull-Up Bar Hold?

A doorway pull-up bar can hold weight at around 300-350 pounds. This type of pull-up bar is attached to the jambs/sides of the door. It involves little to no drilling at all.

Click here to check my favorite doorway pull-up bar I highly recommend <<

Check out its pros and cons here…

PROS

Because of its weight limit, the type:

• Is automatically lighter and portable…
• Is easy to install…
• Takes little amount of space…
• Requires no mounting or drilling at all…
• Requires no additional attachment.

CONS

Because of its weight limit, the type:

• Isn’t wide and you can’t really do wide-grip pull-ups with it…
• Is limited to the door frame width…
• Can collapse if subjected to more than the 350 weight limit…
• Can damage the door frame if subject to extreme weight…
• Can leave rings/marks on the door frame surface

Are you planning to buy your own doorway pull-up bar to gain the experience? Check out my favorite doorway pull-up bare by clicking this link here.

Be Careful: Commercial products featured by big-time selling platforms dwell on exaggerated weight limit.

For example, the telescopic type of doorway pull-up bar (another name for the doorway pull-up bar) assumes a 300-440 pound weight limit range.

But, using common sense, you’ll instantly know that it’s not 100% reliable since telescopic doorway pull-up bars are not as stable as they appear.

Although some doorway pull-up bars might actually reach a 400 weight limit, it still seldom happens. So, the safest range should be 300-350 pounds.

What should I know about a telescopic pull-up bar?

Just like a telescope, you will have to twist both of its ends to extend its length. After you twist its ends, the bar increases pressure and locks into the jamb surface.

In a sense, a telescopic doorway pull-up bar takes the least time to install, lesser than that of a regular doorway pull-up bar. Also, it brings less damage to the doorway.

Apparently, the design and overall bulk of the pull-up bar affect its weight limit [3].

The telescopic pull-up bar, because of its lack of other fasteners, can only hold a limited amount of weight, earning it an only-for-light-exercises reputation.

More so, it’s completely dependent on friction and can slip over time.

How much weight can a telescopic doorway pull-up bar hold?

A telescopic doorway pull-up bar can only actually hold a maximum of 300-330 pounds of weight [4]. And this is true despite claims about the bar holding 400 pounds.

How can I increase the doorway pull-up bar’s weight limit?

You can increase the doorway pull-up bar’s weight limit by doing the following steps:

• Place a piece of cloth or towel between the touch points of the bar and the doorway.
• Pick a stronger doorway.
• Pick a wider doorway.
• Add brackets inside the doorway to support the bar.
• Pick the product with the highest weight limit but still right within the budget.
• Or, upgrade the bar into a leverage-mounted type.

Click here to learn how to fit a pull-up bar to a door.

Are you curious about what a doorway pull-up bar looks like? Click this link here to find out.

Continue reading to know about the door frame pull-up bar…

How Much Weight Can a Door Frame Pull-Up Bar Hold?

A door frame pull-up bar (otherwise known as leverage-mounted pull-up bar), which is attached to the upper frame of the door, can hold weight at around 350-400 pounds [5].

Click here to check my favorite door frame pull-up bar I recommend <<

This type of pull-up bar involves a number of fasteners, attachments, and other accessories. So, it may actually take time to put up.

Check out its pros and cons below…

PROS

Because of its weight limit, the type:

• Is more stable…
• Provides multiple grip distances (because it’s wider)…
• Allows you to do chin-ups…
• Builds more muscles…
• Does not damage the door frame.

CONS

Because of its weight, the type:

• Consumes a bigger space…
• Requires other fasteners and attachments…
• Blocks the door from closing…
• Takes time to put-up…
• Is heavier and more difficult to store.

Are you looking for the best door frame pull-up bar? I recommend that you click this link to check out my favorite door frame pull-up bar…

How can I increase the doorway pull-up bar’s weight limit?

Here are simple ways I do:

• Pick a stronger and sturdier door upper frame.
• Pick wider bars and wider door frame.
• Pick a product with higher weight limit but still right within the budget.
• Place towels on each side of the bar (where contact with frame happens) to prevent messing up the frame. Also, this secures the bar’s capacity to support weight.

What should know about the science of leverage-mounted bar?

Unlike other types, the door frame/leverage-mounted pull-up bar very smartly uses your body weight as the actual lever.

Because of this advantage, the bar does less damage to the frame and gains a higher weight limit (350-400 pounds) at the same time.

It secures all these pros without being too heavy.

Click here to learn how to assemble your door frame pull-up bar fast.

Now, for a ceiling-mounted fun…

Continue reading below!

How Much Weight Can a Ceiling-Mounted Pull-Up Bar Hold?

A well made ceiling-mounted pull-up bar can easily hold weight at around 500-1,000 pounds [6]. That makes this option one of the safest and most secure pull-up bars you can get.

Click here to check my personal ceiling pull-up bar I use regularly <<

It is a fixed, permanent bar that is dependent on any joist or stud in your room’s ceiling.

PROS

Because of its weight limit, the type:

• Is very safe to use…
• Allows freedom of movement and maximum pressure of weight..
• It’s more stable…
• Builds more muscles…
• Allows several grip options (close, neutral, wide)…
• It’s great for explosive training…
• Allows you to use other equipment with it like weighted vests, resistance bands, gymnastics rings..
• Allows you to pull it to different angles using resistance bands.

CONS

Because of its weight limit, the type:

• Takes time to put up…
• Is very heavy and difficult to remove…
• Requires several screws to attach…
• Consumes space…
• Can be heavy for mobility…
• Requires a drill and it’s most likely permanent.

Are you curious about how a solid ceiling-mounted pull-up bar looks like?

Click the link here to see a great example of a solid ceiling-mounted pull-up bar.

I have used this product myself and it’s really great for ceiling-mounted pull-ups!

Quick Note: Ceiling mounts commonly bear an on-center mount hole with a measurement of around 46-48 inches [7].

This measurement pleases most people because it lays the bar just right along a 16-24 inch ceiling stud.

The weight limit of a ceiling-mounted pull-up bar isn’t only determined by the bar itself, but also of the type of stud.

In our book, there are 2 common types of wall studs:

1. Horizontal 2×4

2. Vertical 2×4

What are the differences between a vertical and a horizontal stud?

A vertical 2×4 stud (with actual 1-1/2″ X 3-1/2″ dimensions) is a wood-framing type that resembles parallel lines along the wall that hold ceiling, walls, and attic pull up bars.

Positioning the pull-up bar along it enables the bar to handle a maximum weight limit of 1,000 pounds. This can be attributed to the frame’s “stiffness”.

A horizontal 2×4, on the other hand (also with actual 1-1/2″ X 3-1/2″ dimensions), is the wood framing type that resembles an H-pattern through its bridging.

Setting the pull-up bar along it enables the bar to handle a maximum of 500 pounds. And this is attributed to the frame’s “springy-ness”.

Can I safely attach a pull-up bar to the ceiling?

Yes. If provided that the ceiling beams, joists or studs can strongly support the bar and that the bar is properly attached, there is no reason why it should not be safe.

Ultimately, compared to other types, this one holds the highest weight limit, not to mention that the ceiling, among other parts in the house/room, tends to be very strong!

Meaning, it should be the safest type to attach and use...

What things should I consider before attaching a ceiling-mounted pull-up bar?

Here are some important points you need to consider:

• Total height of the room (it must be very high for overhead space to not hit your head, and space for attaching the bar)
• Safety attachment/mounting measures
• Height of bar from ceiling to floor
• Versatility of the bar to be used with other attachments
• Strength and density of the grip materials
• Quality of the pull-up bar
• Type of exercises you are planning to do

How do I mount a pull-up bar to a ceiling?

Click the link to this video to learn how.

Now, let’s hop into the wall-mounted pull-up bar…

How Much Weight Can a Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar Hold?

The average wall-mounted pull-up bar can hold weight at around 300-500 pounds [8] making it another very sturdy and safe option to get.

Click here to check the best wall-mounted pull-up bar you can find <<

Almost as strong and stable as ceiling-mounted pull-up bars, this type simply lays the bar out horizontally for pull-up use. Certainly, it’s alike the former in many aspects.

The main design of this type is a crossbar.

Just like the ceiling-mounted pull-up bar, this type is dependent on wall joists or studs (the 2×4 standard) for added strength.

PROS

Are you looking for the right wall-mounted pull-up bar, but can’t seem to find it? I urge you to check out my favorite product by clicking this link here.

I like this product because it is extra-sturdy and it’s surprisingly lighter than most ones.

Because of its weight limit, the type:

• Is safe, stable and durable…
• Allows free movements and encourages you to vary training
• Builds more muscles…
• Is great for explosive training
• Allows several grip options (close, neutral, wide).
• Is easier to reach (not very high like the ceiling-mounted one)
• Is easy to integrate with other equipment.

CONS

Because of its weight limit, the type:

• Is heavy to move around (requires several people to attach it)
• Needs drilling and other extra-attachments
• Takes much space…
• Takes time to install…

Click this link here to see another great wall-mounted pull-up bar.

What things do I need to mount a pull-up bar to a wall?

Here are important things you have secur

• Solid steel frame
• Parallel grips (for neutral grip setup)
• Mounting gears
• Gun metal finish
• Foam-quality grips

How do I mount a pull-up bar to a wall?

Click the link to this video to learn how.

Having fun there, mate?

Wait… there’s more!

How Much Weight Can an Outdoor Pull-Up Bar Hold?

A well-secured outdoor pull-up bar of any type can hold weight at around 500-1,000 pounds [9].

An outdoor pull-up bar allows pull-ups outside. It can either be attached to any tree or a solid pair of posts.

Or, it can simply be any existing playground pull-up bars you see in your nearest park.

Unlike the other types, this one has the widest set of other types. In fact, you can even make a DIY pull-up bar from any solid material.

To have a better understanding of the outdoor pull-ups, I will present all its known types below:

Type 1: Playground Pull-Up Bar or Horizontal Bar with 2 Posts in the Ground

This is the safest, most stable outdoor pull-up bar. It’s ready-made, ready-standing, and inexpensive but high-quality material.

You don’t have to spend any dime; all you have to do is take a good walk in the park and do your pull-ups.

Here are its pros and cons…

PROS

• Fixed in place; doesn’t require installment or mobility
• Very strong
• Very stable
• Free for everyone to use
• Maximum freedom in movement

CONS

• Not available in all parks
• Even if it’s available but the park is too crowded, you won’t be able to use it
• Public property
• Requires bigger space

Weight limit: 800-1,000 pounds.

Maximize this bar by learning several pull-up exercises.

Click this link here to learn all of them.

Type 2: Squat Rack With a Pull-Up Bar / Power Cage

The pusquat rack is also another ready-made and ready-standing pull-up bar package. Popular for its strenght and durability.

Click here to check the best squat rack with a pull-up bar you can buy <<

It has a strong base so you can do almost all varieties of pull-up exercises on it using gymnastics rings, resistance bands, etc.

It’s also highly adjustable.

Check out its pros and cons here…

PROS

• Allows several trainings
• Uses small space
• Safe and stable to use

CONS

• Can be transported but difficult to do so because of weight; limited mobility
• Some of designs are not suitable for outdoor use
• Can be too expensive to buy when you’re on a budget

Weight limit: 500-700 pounds

If you want more options please, click the link to this article here to discover my 5 best squat racks.

Type 3: Mounted Pull-Up Bar Between 2 Trees

This is installed as a DIY material using metal pipe (or any pipe) and improvising across a long range of available equipment.

PROS

• Cheap to put up
• Easily installed
• Allows maximum movement (highly flexible)
• Safe and stable to use (if properly attached)

CONS

• Limited to no grip differences
• Can swing or move around when not properly attached
• Requires two trees; impossible to put up without trees around

Weight limit: 500-800 pounds

Quick note: One of the most practical means of doing outdoor pull-up bar is attaching a DIY pull-up bar to any tree. However, it’s never easy to do if you don’t read and learn the right tips. Click this link to learn how to attach a bar between trees.

Now…

As you learn how to attach a pull-up bar to any tree, you’ll come across steps like attaching and tying it using a rope.

Through the rope, you can create a knot to hold your bar to the branch.

But, I don’t just recommend any rope; I’d like you to click this link here to view the best rope quality in the market today.

Other tools you need to secure when attaching a pull-up bar between 2 trees include:

1. Long Bolts (click the link to see the recommended bolts I use)

2. Solid Power Drill (click this link to see what power drill I use)

3. 4 feet Galvanized SteelPipe (click this link to see a really good pipe)

Type 4: Use Tree Branch as a Pull-Up Bar

This is the most practical outdoor pull-up bar out there.

It doesn’t require any effort to put up at all. All you need are your hands or a towel. And, that’s it.

PROS

• Readily available
• Requires no setting up
• Strong (provided that you choose the solid branch)
• Can be yours to own
• Might allow maximum movement and varied trainings

CONS

• Impossible to do without trees around
• Solid and parallel branches are rare to find
• Finding the most solid branch might take time
• Some branches weaken over time and break causing you to fall down and commit injury
• Some branches, especially those with little branches emerging from its surface, take time to clear out for use

Weight limit: 200-300 pounds (dependent on several factors like width, weight of the person, etc.)

Type 5: Outdoor Chin-Up Bar/ Portable Pull-Up Dip Bar (with wall and outdoor adapter)

This type of bar resembles a wall-mounted bar with neutral (parallel) grips.

Click here to learn more about this creative pull-up bar variation <<

But because of its wall and outdoor adapter, it can also be attached to any solid post/tree outdoor.

Meaning, it is highly portable so that you can mount it and remove it anytime.

This type of bar inclines to a 180-degree angle, so you can quickly do different exercises with it.

PROS

• Easy to install and remove
• Allows several training types
• Can be used both indoor and outdoor
• Can be placed on your preferred area
• Allows several gripping varieties
• Highly portable
• Highly stable, safe and durable

CONS

• Might not be compatible to certain tree posts with protruding branches
• Impossible to put up without adapters
• Other models can be too expensive when you’re on a budget

Weight limit: 500-800 pounds

Click the link to this video to learn how to attach the bar.

6. Gymnastics Rings

The gymnastics rings are the best alternative to not only outdoor pull-up bars, but to all pull-up bar types as well.

Click here to check my favorite wooden gymnastic rings I own <<

PROS

• Occupies very small space
• Highly flexible
• Straps are easily adjustable for your height
• Trains and builds more muscles (you can work your balance with it)
• Can be attached anywhere
• Highly portable
• Very light
• Safe, stable, and durable
• Cheap

CONS

• They require more strength than generic pull-up bars and are more difficult to learn (because they are not fixed)
• Some gymnastics rings are too slippery

Weight limit: 500-600 pounds

BONUS TIP: Gymnastic rings work great with gloves.

If you want to improve and strengthen your grip while keeping your hands safe I highly recommend you to get a pair of solid gloves.

Click here if you want to check them out on Amazon <<

In my opinion, they’re great gloves because they’re durable and they provide me good gripping (especially useful when the rings becomes slippery).

Quick Note: The first thing to ensure for a safe use of gymnastics rings is to learn how to attach them to a tree branch.

Click here to learn how to attach gymnastics rings to a tree branch.

Which outdoor pull-up bar should I use? Which is safer?

The safest outdoor pull-up bar is the playground pull-up bar. However, if you can’t find any of that around, I’d suggest you go for a DIY pull-up bar between trees.

In fact, I recommend that you try everything and don’t settle for one since each one has its own pros and cons. Try to find what best suits you and your situation.

In the end, it’s how you attach your pull-up bar that truly matters.

Your decision to pick the right pull-up bar type and quality, and to properly mount the bar is the biggest step to a successful and safe pull-up workout.

You are one lucky person, mate…

You’re now a master in pull-up bars!

Now, let’s move on to a quick recap…

As you finish reading this article, you will hopefully be able to:

• Attach or mount the different bar types properly…
• Learn all important things about the different types of pull-up bars…
• Identify how much weight each pull-up bar type can hold..
• Increase the weight limits of certain pull-up bar types…

But that’s not everything…

The Next Steps…

So, you now know how much weight the different types of pull-up bars can hold.

But…

You surely got more than you bargained for!

Well, you didn’t only learn their weight limit, but their individual designs as well. You also learned that a number of factors affect the weight limit of each pull-up bar type.

But we are NOT done!

If you want to take things on the next level you need to do these 2 very simple steps:

STEP 1: Enter your email below and get instant access to our massive free guide teaching you everything you need to know about pull-up bars. (trust me, it’s really solid)

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STEP 2: Read even more awesome articles about pull-up bars.

Yes, there is quite more knowledge just waiting for you… all you need to do is grab it!

Here are couple of great articles you may like:

• 5 Best Pull Up Bars for Calisthenics in 2020 (Tested and Cheap)
• Top 3 Best Closed-Door Pull-Up Bars You Can Leave Attached
• Can My Door Support A Pull-Up Bar? (5 Fast Ways To Find Out)
• 6 Exercises to Work and Build Massive Traps on a Pull-Up Bar
• 5 Easy Ways To Keep A Pull-Up Bar From Spinning

And remember – even the best pull-up bar will be completely useless if you don’t use it…

– Bozhidar