Wilks Calculator - Powerlifting Score

The Wilks score is the original bodyweight-equalizing formula for powerlifting, created by Robert Wilks and used by the IPF for decades. It converts your total into a single number that can be compared fairly against lifters of any bodyweight or sex - answering the classic question: "Who is the strongest pound-for-pound?"

This calculator uses the updated Wilks-2 coefficients (2020 revision), which improved accuracy in the lighter and heavier weight classes where the original formula had known shortcomings. Enter your bodyweight, sex, and either your individual squat, bench, and deadlift or your total directly.

Wilks vs DOTS vs IPF GL: Modern powerlifting has largely shifted to DOTS (for raw) and IPF GL (for equipped and raw world championships). This tool calculates all three simultaneously so you can see how you rank under each system and which formula benefits your weight class most.

Typical competitive Wilks scores: Club level: 200-300. Regional: 300-380. National: 380-450. Elite: 450+. World-class: 500+. Your score updates instantly as you change your total or bodyweight.

After calculating your Wilks score, check your percentile ranking against 2.5 million competition results, or use the competition readiness tool to find local meets at your level.

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Scoring Calculator

Compare your total across Wilks-2, DOTS, and IPF GL scoring systems

Your Lifts

Powerlifting Total

Score Comparison

Scoring System Score Age-Adjusted Tier
DOTS
IPF GL Points
Wilks-2 (2020)

Best Score

points

Bodyweight

Total (kg)

kg

Score Breakdown Chart

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Understanding Powerlifting Scores

DOTS (Dynamic Objective Team Scoring) replaced the original Wilks formula in 2019 as the IPF's primary scoring system. It uses updated statistical models and is considered more fair across bodyweight classes.

IPF GL Points (Goodlift Points) is the IPF's official scoring for international competitions. It uses a different mathematical model based on an exponential curve fit to world records.

Wilks-2 (2020) is Robert Wilks' updated formula addressing criticisms of the original 2004 coefficients. Some federations still use it alongside or instead of DOTS.

The McCulloch age coefficient adjusts scores for lifters younger than 23 or older than 40, accounting for natural strength differences across age groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use whatever your federation requires. For IPF-affiliated meets, DOTS is the standard. For general comparison, DOTS is the most widely accepted modern system. All three are provided here so you can compare.
For raw male lifters: 300 is recreational, 350 is competitive at local meets, 400+ is nationally competitive, and 450+ is elite/international level. For women, roughly subtract 100 from each tier. These are general guidelines and vary by federation.
The McCulloch coefficient multiplies your score by an age factor. Ages 23-39 have a 1.0 coefficient (no change). Younger lifters (14-22) and older lifters (40-90) receive a multiplier greater than 1.0 to account for age-related strength differences. For example, a 60-year-old gets a 1.23x multiplier.
The original Wilks coefficients (2004) were criticized for favoring certain bodyweight classes and not being updated with modern competition data. DOTS was developed using more recent and comprehensive competition results, providing fairer comparisons across all weight classes for both raw and equipped lifting.

Scores are calculated using the official published coefficients for each formula. Results may differ slightly from federation-specific implementations due to rounding.