How much weight can your tongue lift?

A healthy adult tongue typically produces about 40–70 kilopascals (kPa) of pressure, which—when translated into “lift” against a small contact area—equates to roughly 0.5–1.5 kilograms (1–3 pounds). Under controlled testing some people reach around 80 kPa, while spectacular stunt lifts using piercings and hooks have exceeded 10 kg, but those are hazardous and not representative of normal function.

What scientists actually measure: pressure, not pounds

Clinicians and researchers assess tongue strength as pressure, usually in kilopascals, using devices such as the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) or similar manometry tools. The tongue presses a small air-filled bulb against the palate, and the device records peak isometric pressure. Because pressure is force per unit area, converting that to a “weight” requires assuming a contact area and orientation.

Typical tongue pressure by age group

Normative studies report a range that varies by age and, to a lesser degree, sex. The values below refer to maximal isometric pressure measured at the anterior tongue (the front pressing upward to the palate).

• Young adults (approximately 18–39 years): about 55–70 kPa
• Middle-aged adults (approximately 40–59 years): about 50–65 kPa
• Older adults (approximately 60–79 years): about 45–60 kPa
• Very old adults (80+ years): about 35–50 kPa

Individual results can sit outside these ranges, but most healthy adults cluster around the mid-40s to upper-60s kPa for the anterior tongue, with slightly lower values posteriorly.

Converting tongue pressure into “how much weight it can lift”

Force equals pressure times area. If a tongue presses on a small bulb (roughly 1.5–2.0 cm² contact area), 60 kPa of pressure corresponds to about 9–12 newtons of force—close to the weight of a 0.9–1.2 kg mass under Earth gravity. Real-world “lifting” also depends on friction, angle of force, and whether the load is supported or suspended.

Example calculations you can picture

These examples use reasonable assumptions about contact area to illustrate how pressure translates to a weight-equivalent.

1. 40 kPa on a 1.5 cm² area: 40,000 N/m² × 1.5×10⁻⁴ m² ≈ 6 N ≈ 0.6 kg
2. 60 kPa on a 1.8 cm² area: 60,000 N/m² × 1.8×10⁻⁴ m² ≈ 10.8 N ≈ 1.1 kg
3. 80 kPa on a 2.0 cm² area: 80,000 N/m² × 2.0×10⁻⁴ m² ≈ 16 N ≈ 1.6 kg

These conversions show why most people’s tongues can manage about half to one and a half kilograms when pressing upward in a lab setup. That is very different from suspending a free weight from the tongue, which introduces shear forces and injury risks.

What influences how much your tongue can “lift”

Tongue performance varies with biology, health, and technique. Several factors commonly shift the numbers up or down.

• Age: peak values tend to occur in early adulthood and decline gradually with age.
• Sex and size: larger individuals may record slightly higher pressures on average.
• Health conditions: dysphagia, obstructive sleep apnea, neuromuscular disease, stroke, and prolonged intubation can reduce strength and endurance.
• Training and use: targeted myofunctional therapy or device-guided training can improve peak pressure and endurance.
• Fatigue and hydration: acute fatigue and dry mouth reduce performance.
• Technique and contact area: posture, jaw support, and where/how you press affect measured pressure and force.

Because these factors interact, two people with similar health profiles can still show notably different results.

About record lifts—and why that’s not a good idea

Publicized stunts have used tongue piercings and hooks to suspend weights, with documented lifts exceeding 10 kilograms. While eye-catching, these feats rely on specialized equipment, conditioning, and a high risk tolerance. They do not reflect typical tongue function and can cause serious harm.

Why you should not try to lift weights with your tongue

Suspending or pulling external loads with the tongue introduces shear forces and injury risks far beyond normal swallowing or speech demands.

• Lacerations, frenulum tears, and nerve damage
• Tooth, jaw, and temporomandibular joint injury
• Taste alteration and salivary gland trauma
• Infections (especially with piercings), scarring, and prolonged pain
• Worsening of existing speech or swallowing issues

Even if it looks simple online, attempting such lifts can lead to lasting problems that outweigh any novelty.

How to test and improve your tongue strength safely

If you’re curious about your tongue’s capacity, use clinical-grade methods and evidence-based exercises, not improvised weightlifting.

• Get evaluated by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for baseline measures, especially if you notice swallowing difficulty, fatigue when eating, or speech changes.
• Use validated tools (e.g., IOPI or similar) under guidance to measure peak pressure and endurance and to structure training.
• Practice safe exercises: repeated presses of the tongue tip or blade to the palate, sustained holds, and posterior tongue activation as prescribed by an SLP.
• Address contributors: nasal breathing, optimal posture, and dental or airway issues can improve function and endurance.
• Progress gradually: focus on consistency and form rather than chasing maximums.

With a few weeks of structured practice, many people see measurable gains in pressure and endurance that translate to easier chewing and safer swallowing.

Summary

Most healthy adults can generate tongue pressures equivalent to lifting roughly 0.5–1.5 kg when pressing upward against a small contact area; some reach around 1.6 kg under optimal conditions. While attention-grabbing stunts have exceeded 10 kg using piercings and hooks, such feats are dangerous and not representative of normal tongue function. If you want to know your numbers or improve them, seek measurement and training through a speech-language pathologist using validated tools rather than attempting DIY “tongue lifts.”

How to tell if tongue weight is too heavy?

If the tongue weight is too little — less than 10% of the total trailer weight — the trailer may tend to sway back and forth. If the tongue weight it too much — greater than 15% — your vehicle may become less responsive, especially when turning and braking.

How much weight can a human tongue lift?

Tongue weight capacity refers to the maximum amount of downward force a vehicle’s hitch is designed to safely handle, which should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight for stability and safety. To find your specific vehicle’s capacity, check the owner’s manual or driver’s side door jamb for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the maximum hitch weight. Overloading the tongue or having too little can lead to loss of control or dangerous sway, making it critical to keep the weight within the recommended range for safe towing.
 
This video explains what tongue weight is and how it affects your vehicle’s stability when towing: 1mTorklift CentralYouTube · Apr 17, 2025
What is tongue weight?
Tongue weight is the downward pressure the trailer exerts on the hitch ball when connected to the tow vehicle. It is determined by the trailer’s total weight and how the cargo is positioned inside it. 
How much tongue weight should you have?

• Ideal Range: For most conventional trailers, the ideal tongue weight is 10% to 15% of the total trailer weight. 
• Why it’s important: Proper tongue weight balances the load for stable handling and optimal stopping distance. Too little weight can cause dangerous trailer sway, while too much can overload the vehicle’s suspension and steering, also leading to instability. 

How to determine your tongue weight capacity: 

1. Check the Vehicle’s Manual: Opens in new tabYour vehicle’s owner’s manual contains information about its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and its maximum hitch weight capacity.
2. Look for the Sticker: Opens in new tabThe GVWR and other important towing details are often listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Tips for Safe Towing:

• Load Your Trailer Correctly: Position cargo over or slightly forward of the trailer’s axles to help ensure the proper 10-15% weight distribution on the hitch ball. 
• Use a Scale: For an accurate measurement, use a trailer tongue weight scale or perform a calculation using a bathroom scale and a lever system. 
• Consult Your Dealer: If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s hitch class or towing capacity, contact your vehicle’s dealer for clarification. 

How much weight can the tongue hold?

Before going too deep, know that tongue weight is literally how much weight the trailer pushes down on the hitch ball. This number will vary depending on what you are towing. Your vehicle’s tongue weight capacity is directly related to how much weight you tow and must never exceed 10-15% of that number.

How much tongue weight can you have?

roughly 10 to 15 percent
What Is Proper Tongue Weight? For conventional trailers with ball-mounted hitches, proper tongue weight is roughly 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight.