Best triceps exercises with dumbbells

Exercises where triceps are a main mover and that need a pair of dumbbells, plus a bench at most. Best muscle growth rating first, with more weight on ratings several sources agree on. The full triceps ranking covers every kind of equipment.

  1. 1Dumbbell skull crusher, start positionDumbbell skull crusherElbow extensionDumbbellsVery good; among the better picks for the muscle. Peak tension at a deep stretch.
    Growth
    4.0 2 sources
  2. 2Incline dumbbell overhead triceps extension, start positionIncline dumbbell overhead triceps extensionElbow extensionDumbbellsVery good; among the better picks for the muscle. Hard in the stretched position.
    Growth
    4.0 1 source
    Injury risk
    2.0 1 source
  3. 3Incline dumbbell triceps kickback, start positionIncline dumbbell triceps kickbackElbow extensionDumbbellsVery good; among the better picks for the muscle.
    Growth
    4.0 1 source
  4. 4Single-arm dumbbell overhead triceps extension, start positionSingle-arm dumbbell overhead triceps extensionElbow extensionDumbbellsVery good; among the better picks for the muscle.
    Growth
    4.0 1 source
  5. 5Seated dumbbell French press, start positionSeated dumbbell French pressElbow extensionDumbbellsSolid; a reasonable default.
    Growth
    3.0 1 source
  6. 6Dumbbell triceps kickback, start positionDumbbell triceps kickbackElbow extensionDumbbellsBelow average; better options exist for every goal. Hardest part is at short muscle length.
    Growth
    2.0 2 sources