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Weight Class Guide

Explore strength standards and percentile rankings by weight class

16 IPF weight classes based on 2.5M+ verified competition results

Weight Class Quick Reference

IPF weight class ranges and categories for men and women

Male Class Range Female Class Range
59 kg Male Up to 59 kg (130 lb) 47 kg Female Up to 47 kg (103 lb)
66 kg Male 59.01-66 kg (130-145 lb) 52 kg Female 47.01-52 kg (103-114 lb)
74 kg Male 66.01-74 kg (145-163 lb) 57 kg Female 52.01-57 kg (114-125 lb)
83 kg Male 74.01-83 kg (163-183 lb) 63 kg Female 57.01-63 kg (125-138 lb)
93 kg Male 83.01-93 kg (183-205 lb) 69 kg Female 63.01-69 kg (138-152 lb)
105 kg Male 93.01-105 kg (205-231 lb) 76 kg Female 69.01-76 kg (152-167 lb)
120 kg Male 105.01-120 kg (231-264 lb) 84 kg Female 76.01-84 kg (167-185 lb)
120+ kg Male Over 120 kg (264+ lb) 84+ kg Female Over 84 kg (185+ lb)

About IPF Weight Classes

The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) defines 16 weight classes: 8 for men and 8 for women. These classes are used in all IPF-sanctioned competitions and have been adopted by most national and regional powerlifting federations worldwide. The current classes were introduced in 2011.

Our strength standards for each weight class are derived from the OpenPowerlifting database, containing over 2.5 million verified competition results from sanctioned powerlifting meets. Every number comes from a judged competition lift, not self-reported data. Standards are broken into five tiers: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite.

Each weight class page shows detailed standards for the three competition lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. You can also enter your own numbers to see where you stand compared to other competition lifters at your weight class.

Frequently Asked Questions

The IPF defines 8 male classes (59, 66, 74, 83, 93, 105, 120, and 120+ kg) and 8 female classes (47, 52, 57, 63, 69, 76, 84, and 84+ kg). These are used in all IPF-sanctioned competitions worldwide.
For men, the 83 kg and 93 kg classes typically have the deepest competition fields. For women, the 63 kg class tends to be the most popular and competitive. Deeper fields mean more competitors but also more opportunities to compete.
Generally, compete in the class where your current bodyweight naturally falls. If you are between classes, consider which class lets you lift the most weight relative to the competition. Our Weight Class Optimizer tool can help you analyze which class gives you the best competitive advantage.
Tiers are based on percentile rankings among competition powerlifters: Beginner (bottom 20%), Novice (20th-40th percentile), Intermediate (40th-60th), Advanced (60th-80th), and Elite (top 20%). These compare you against other people who actually compete in powerlifting, not the general population.
Yes. Our standards are based on competition lifts judged to IPF standards (full depth squat, paused bench, lockout deadlift). Gym lifts without strict judging criteria may differ. Competition standards are generally more conservative.

Related Calculators

Exercise Standards Standards for 19 exercises Weight Class Optimizer Find your optimal class Strength Benchmarks Compare all your lifts

Standards are derived from OpenPowerlifting competition data. Gym lifts may differ from competition performance due to judging standards. For informational purposes only.