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Head-to-Head Strength Comparison

Compare two lifters side by side. See who is relatively stronger after adjusting for bodyweight.

Quick Answer

How do you decide who is stronger when two lifters are different bodyweights? Compare their bodyweight-adjusted scores, not their raw totals. In the worked example below, Lifter A is relatively stronger, with a DOTS score of 376.6 versus 370.9 (a 5.7-point edge). This is true even though Lifter B lifts a heavier raw total (615 kg vs 525 kg), because DOTS adjusts for bodyweight. Wilks, DOTS, and IPF GL all normalize a powerlifting total for bodyweight; DOTS is the modern default, so this tool decides the verdict on DOTS.

Worked Example: Two Lifters, Side by Side

A real comparison computed from the same scoring formulas the tool uses. Scroll down to compare your own numbers.

Lifter A

Relatively Stronger

Male, 75 kg (165 lb) bodyweight

Squat180 kg
Bench125 kg
Deadlift220 kg
Total525 kg / 1157 lb
Wilks475.9
DOTS376.6
IPF GL76.5
Competition percentile (FVCP)
Squat: 61st percentile (Intermediate)
Bench: 64th percentile (Intermediate)
Deadlift: 70th percentile (Intermediate)

Lifter B

Male, 105 kg (231 lb) bodyweight

Squat215 kg
Bench150 kg
Deadlift250 kg
Total615 kg / 1356 lb
Wilks356.7
DOTS370.9
IPF GL75.9
Competition percentile (FVCP)
Squat: 52nd percentile (Intermediate)
Bench: 56th percentile (Intermediate)
Deadlift: 58th percentile (Intermediate)
Verdict: Lifter A is relatively stronger, with a DOTS score of 376.6 versus 370.9 (a 5.7-point edge). This is true even though Lifter B lifts a heavier raw total (615 kg vs 525 kg), because DOTS adjusts for bodyweight.

Compare Your Own Two Lifters

Enter at least one lift per lifter. The verdict compares the same set of lifts both lifters entered.

Result

How Does the Head-to-Head Comparison Work?

Raw total favors the heavier lifter, so it is a poor way to compare two people of different sizes. This tool computes three bodyweight-normalized scores for each lifter from their squat, bench, and deadlift: Wilks-2 (2020), DOTS, and IPF GL (GoodLift). Each applies a sex-specific coefficient to the total so a 75 kg lifter and a 105 kg lifter can be compared fairly.

The verdict is decided on DOTS, the modern default used by most federations and lifters, because it best reflects relative strength across bodyweights. The lifter with the higher DOTS is declared relatively stronger, even if their raw total is smaller.

For the squat, bench, and deadlift we also show each lifter's FitnessVolt Competition Percentile (FVCP), which is where that lift ranks against 2.5M+ verified competition results at that bodyweight. Learn more about our methodology.

You can compare on as little as one shared lift, but a full three-lift comparison is the most meaningful. The verdict always uses the same set of lifts both lifters entered.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the question. The heavier lifter usually moves more absolute weight, but the lighter lifter is often stronger pound for pound. Bodyweight-adjusted scores like DOTS, Wilks, and IPF GL answer "who is relatively stronger," which is why this tool decides the verdict on DOTS rather than raw total.
DOTS applies a sex-specific polynomial coefficient to a powerlifting total to normalize it for bodyweight. It is the modern successor to the Wilks formula and is widely used to rank lifters of different sizes on a level field. We use it as the deciding metric while still showing Wilks and IPF GL for context.
Yes. DOTS, Wilks, and IPF GL all use sex-specific coefficients, so a male and female lifter can be compared on the same normalized scale.
You can compare on a single shared lift, but the score is most meaningful as a full squat-bench-deadlift total. The verdict always compares the same set of lifts both lifters entered, so it never compares a one-lift number against a three-lift total.
For the squat, bench, and deadlift, each lift is ranked against 2.5M+ verified competition results at the lifter's bodyweight and sex, drawn from OpenPowerlifting data. See our methodology for details.

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Written by Tom Miller, CSCS · Reviewed by Editorial Team
Tom Miller, CSCS, is a Sr. Editor & Content Strategist with 10 years of experience in Powerlifting and Personal Training. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, he is dedicated to delivering informative, engaging, and reliable health and fitness content. His work has been featured on websites including the-sun.com, Well+Good, Bleacher Report, Muscle and Fitness, UpJourney, Business Insider, NewsBreak and more.