Know your anatomy!

[goodlifting]

I'm a bit confused with this post, and many other posts I have read. I see people referring to strength and growth as different categories but I was under the impression that size is directly proportional to strength... Im not educated in fitness, but I'm trying my best to understand. I ask because I'm on a 5x5 routine and hope to gain strength and size... Do I need to switch to 5x8 or 5x10 or something?

higher volume (anything over six reps) is generally better for hypertrophy. Low volume is generally considered anything under six reps. If you want size you will have to isolate your muscles and give them 3-4 sets of higher volume exercises (again, generally speaking).

everyone is different and reacts positively or negatively to different types of training. It will take time (years) to figure out what your body likes when it comes to training.

Since you stated that you are new to fitness I suggest that you focus on your form and get stronger in your bread and butter lifts (squats, deads, presses). Size will come with this since you are new.

With that said, I like to have people start with sets of 10 or less. The 10 reps will allow the athlete to get proper practice with the movements using light weight.

The size of a muscle has little to do with how powerfully the muscle fibers contract. Big does not equal strong is all cases.