A full deck of cards is 416 push-ups when Aces count as 14 and Jack, Queen and King count as 11, 12 and 13. That is the default on this page. The exact number depends on how you score the cards, so the totals for the common scorings are below.
The challenge itself is simple: shuffle, flip a card, do that many push-ups, and keep going until the deck is empty. Rest whenever you need to.
How many push-ups are in a deck of cards?
Every suit holds the same 13 cards, so each suit carries the same number of push-ups. The totals below are computed by the same code that deals the workout.
- Aces 14, Jack 11, Queen 12, King 13 (this page's default): 416 push-ups, 104 per suit.
- Aces and face cards all 10: 376 push-ups, 94 per suit.
- Aces 1, face cards 10: 340 push-ups, 85 per suit.
- Add the two jokers to any of these: 40 more push-ups.
Making it fit your level
The full deck is a lot of push-ups for most people. The settings on the generator change the total before you start.
- Lower the count: set face cards to 10 and the Ace to 1. That takes the deck down to 340.
- Half deck: deal 26 cards instead of 52. The total depends on which cards come up, but it is roughly half.
- Easier variation: do incline push-ups with your hands on a bench, or push-ups from your knees.
- Harder: add the jokers, or shorten your rest between cards.
Keeping your form at high volume
Form tends to slip as the deck goes on. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, and lower your chest all the way down on every rep.
When a set starts to break down, stop the card early and rest. A deck finished over several sessions is still a deck finished.
Deck of Cards Push-up Challenge — frequently asked questions
How many push-ups are in a deck of cards?
It depends on the scoring. With Aces at 14 and face cards at 11, 12 and 13, a 52-card deck is 416 push-ups. With Aces and face cards all at 10 it is 376, and with Aces at 1 and face cards at 10 it is 340. Each joker you add is 20 more.
Do I have to finish the deck in one go?
No. You can rest as long as you need between cards, use the half-deck option, or stop and finish another day. The app saves your progress in your browser so you can resume.
Can a beginner do the push-up challenge?
Yes, with scaling. Use incline or knee push-ups, set the Ace to 1 and face cards to 10 for a total of 340, or start with a half deck. If push-ups cause pain, stop and check with a qualified professional.
Can I mix in other exercises?
Yes. Open the workout generator and assign a different exercise to each suit. The military workout, for example, uses push-ups, squats, sit-ups and burpees.