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Every exercise ranked by research, by lifters and by results. Find what’s S-tier for your goal, then train it.

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Explore/Calves/Compare

For calf growth

Donkey Calf Raise vs Single-Leg Calf Raise

For calf growth, donkey calf raise rates higher on our research criteria: easier to progress.

Both are good choices that train the calves the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.

S
#4
of 9
Donkey Calf Raise
Machine
S
#5
of 9
Single-Leg Calf Raise
Dumbbell
Research score
90
85
Target tension
Excellent
Excellent
Loaded stretch
Excellent
Excellent
Progression
Strong
Good
Low cost
Strong
Strong
See the full calves ranking
What these mean
Target tension.
Whether the muscle you’re training is what gives out first, not your grip, balance or other muscles.
Loaded stretch.
How hard the muscle works while stretched. Training it there is linked to more growth.
Progression.
How easily you can keep adding weight in small steps over months and years.
Low cost.
How easy it is on your joints and recovery, and how quickly you can learn it.

The research score comes from these, scored by hand from the studies. Lifter scores appear once an exercise has 10 ratings. How scores work

When each one fits

Good reasons to choose donkey calf raise

  • You want to keep adding weight in small steps

Good reasons to choose single-leg calf raise

  • You train at home
  • One side is weaker than the other
Donkey Calf Raise
Single-Leg Calf Raise
You need
Machine
Dumbbells
Skill
Easy to learn
Easy to learn
Type
Isolation
Isolation
One side at a time
No
Yes
Why they rank where they do

Donkey Calf Raise. Straight knees and a deep bottom position stretch the gastrocnemius well. Loading it needs a machine or a partner.

Single-Leg Calf Raise. One leg at a time with a full stretch at the bottom. Bodyweight goes a long way, then you need a dumbbell.

Questions

Which is better for calf growth, donkey calf raise or single-leg calf raise?

For calf growth, donkey calf raise rates higher on our research criteria: easier to progress. Both are good choices that train the calves the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.

Is donkey calf raise or single-leg calf raise easier to learn?

About the same: both are easy to learn.

Can you do donkey calf raise or single-leg calf raise at home?

Donkey calf raise needs a machine, so for most people it’s a gym exercise. Single-leg calf raise needs dumbbells, so a home gym covers it.

Which is easier on the joints, donkey calf raise or single-leg calf raise?

About the same: both rate Strong for joint and recovery cost in our research rubric.

More comparisons

  • Donkey Calf Raise vs Smith Machine Calf Raise
  • Donkey Calf Raise vs Leg Press Calf Raise
  • Dumbbell Calf Raise vs Single-Leg Calf Raise
  • Seated Calf Raise vs Single-Leg Calf Raise
Donkey Calf RaiseSingle-Leg Calf RaiseAll calves exercises