Ideal number of SETS per workout for Hypertrophy?

[Liftn2011]

I currently use a 5-day workout split, and my objective is more muscle. (I am not as concerned about strength right now.)

I think I may be overtraining slightly due to the large number of sets per workout. Example: Tonight I worked arms--9 separate exercises total, and more than 25 sets total.

I shoot for between 8 and 12 reps per set, sometimes more for certain exercises (like calf raises).

My question: I know 25 sets is too many---it takes me too long to finish my workouts. What is a REASONABLE number of total sets per workout?

Once I settle on that number, I can pare down the number of different exercises I use per workout.

Reps for any help....thanks!

[Lackeos]

Here's a source
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_...e_setrep_bible

This source says 36-50 reps per workout. 8-12 reps per set tends to be ideal for hypertrophy, so that's like 5x8, 6x8, 4x9, 5x9, 4x10, 5x10, 4x11, 3x12, or 4x12. It also says 2-4 sessions per week per muscle group. I'm pretty sure your 5-day split offers 1 session per week per muscle group, so if you value this source, then you'd probably conclude that a full-body routine or upper-lower split would be better than a 5-day split.

[gomez26]

My question: I know 25 sets is too many---it takes me too long to finish my workouts. What is a REASONABLE number of total sets per workout?

that varies a lot b/w ppl, u cant just ask for a number that fits all. u have to find out what is suitable for u.

note another option can be to ramp the sets up as the weeks go by dual-factor style so by the final week u are over-reaching.
eg
week 1- 10 sets
week 2- 15 sets
week 3- 20 sets
week 4 - 25 sets
week 5 - deload
& repeat.