A draw: the smith machine squat and the hack squat load the quadriceps about equally.

MyoHeat simulates the whole rep with muscle attachments and strengths from published research models, and shares the load between muscles the way the body is thought to: the least total effort that still moves the weight. The bars are each muscle's peak load in the rep, as a % of its maximal force.

How sure is this?

Both exercises pass the model's literature checks: their prime movers in published EMG studies are among the muscles it loads most. The comparison is at each exercise's default load; change the weight in the app and the numbers move. It is an educational estimate, not training or medical advice. Sources, and where the model is wrong.

More quadriceps comparisons

• Dumbbell Lunge vs Smith Machine Squat: about equal (88% vs 83%)
• Dumbbell Lunge vs Hack Squat: Dumbbell Lunge, 1.2× (88% vs 74%)
• Dumbbell Lunge vs Bodyweight Squat: Dumbbell Lunge, 1.6× (88% vs 54%)
• Dumbbell Lunge vs Leg Press: Dumbbell Lunge, 2.2× (88% vs 41%)
• Dumbbell Lunge vs Wall Sit: Dumbbell Lunge, 2.4× (88% vs 37%)
• Smith Machine Squat vs Bodyweight Squat: Smith Machine Squat, 1.5× (83% vs 54%)
• Smith Machine Squat vs Leg Press: Smith Machine Squat, 2.0× (83% vs 41%)
• Smith Machine Squat vs Wall Sit: Smith Machine Squat, 2.3× (83% vs 37%)

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