Progression of the bench press world record

Bench press world records are the international records in bench press across the years, regardless of weight class or governing organization, for bench pressing on the back without using a bridge technique.

The advent of bench press shirts, which support the lifter's shoulders and provide upward force, have increased records significantly since 1985. As of 2023, the world record bench press without any equipment ("raw") was set by American Julius Maddox at 782 lb, surpassing his previous record of 770 lb.

The current world record (equipped, with shirt) is held by American Jimmy Kolb established on July 29th, 2023, at the 2023 IPA Tristar Bash meet, when he successfully locked out 1401 lb, beating the previous record by 51 lb.

The women's equipped bench press record belongs to Ashleigh Hoeta, from New Zealand, who lifted 317.5 kg (700 lb) (2023, IPL standards), and the raw bench press record belongs to April Mathis from the United States, who lifted 457.4 lb (2016, Southern Powerlifting Federation standards).

Foundation of the IPF
With the foundation of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), the federation began keeping "official" powerlifting world records as the international governing body for the sport of powerlifting. Previous records which hadn't been set within the newly established rules, were reset (for example, elbow bandages had been allowed prior to the formation of the IPF, but were later outlawed). These are the official bench press records after the IPF-reset until they surpass the previously set mark of 306 kg (675 lb) by Jim Williams.

Equipped (with bench shirt)
* ''note: Anthony Clark performed a controversial 800-pound bench press at the Arnold Classic in 1997, 2 years before Tim Isaac. This lift was, however, later turned down.''

Unequipped (without bench shirt)
For the bench press to be considered raw, no bench shirts are allowed; however, wrist wraps, singlets and belts are allowed. Elbow bandages had been allowed prior to the formation of the IPF, but were later outlawed.

IPC powerlifting
International Paralympic Committee regulates unequipped paralympic powerlifting competition without wrist wraps or belt.