If untrained guys do calf raises that only go partway up after hitting failure on full calf raises, they can do about 64% more reps without increasing overall workload—because the shorter movement is easier on the muscles.

If untrained guys do calf raises and keep going with shorter movements after they can't do full ones anymore, their muscles grow twice as fast per set compared to stopping at failure with full movements — as long as the total workout load is the same.

If untrained guys keep doing partial calf raises after they can't do full ones anymore, their calf muscles get slightly thicker — about 0.6 mm more on average — compared to stopping completely.

If you keep doing partial calf raises after you can't do full ones anymore, you might boost muscle growth in your calf because you're doing way more work—about 87% more—than stopping completely.

If untrained guys keep doing partial calf raises after they can't do full ones on a Smith machine, they can nearly double their workout volume, which might help their muscles grow more.

If you're doing calf raises and keep going with smaller movements after you're too tired to do full ones, you might build more calf muscle—especially if you do those extra reps when your foot is pointed up.