Wilks Calculator: Powerlifting Strength Comparison
A 180 lb male with a 1,000 lb powerlifting total (squat + bench + deadlift) has a Wilks score of approximately 310. Wilks scores: 300 = intermediate, 350 = advanced, 400 = elite, 450+ = world-class. The Wilks coefficient normalizes strength relative to body weight for fair cross-weight-class compari...
Calculate Your Wilks Score
Compare powerlifting strength across weight classes.
Wilks Score
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Wilks Score Benchmarks
| Wilks Score | Classification | Description | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Below 200 | Beginner | New to powerlifting | |||||
| 200-300 | Intermediate | Regular training, 1-3 years | |||||
| 300-350 | Advanced | Competitive local level | |||||
| 350-400 | Elite | Competitive national level | |||||
| 400-450 | World Class | International competitor | |||||
| 450+ | All-Time Great | Record holder territory | Sample Wilks Scores by Body Weight (Male) | Body Weight | 300 Wilks Total | 350 Wilks Total | 400 Wilks Total |
| 148 lbs (67 kg) | 846 lbs | 988 lbs | 1,129 lbs | ||||
| 165 lbs (75 kg) | 905 lbs | 1,056 lbs | 1,207 lbs | ||||
| 181 lbs (82 kg) | 963 lbs | 1,123 lbs | 1,284 lbs | ||||
| 198 lbs (90 kg) | 1,017 lbs | 1,187 lbs | 1,356 lbs | ||||
| 220 lbs (100 kg) | 1,082 lbs | 1,263 lbs | 1,443 lbs | ||||
| 242 lbs (110 kg) | 1,140 lbs | 1,330 lbs | 1,520 lbs |
Wilks vs DOTS vs IPF GL
The Wilks formula (developed in the 1990s) has been supplemented by newer formulas:
- DOTS (2019): Updated curve fitting, used by some federations
- IPF GL (Goodlift Points): Official IPF formula since 2020
All three serve the same purpose. Wilks remains the most widely recognized and compared.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Wilks score?
A Wilks score is a normalized measure of powerlifting strength that allows comparison across body weights. It multiplies your powerlifting total (squat + bench press + deadlift, best of each) by a weight-dependent coefficient. Higher body weight lifters get a smaller coefficient, accounting for the fact that strength does not increase linearly with body weight. A Wilks of 300 is intermediate; 400+ is elite.
How is the Wilks coefficient calculated?
The Wilks coefficient is calculated using a 5th-degree polynomial equation: Coeff = 500 / (a + bx + cx^2 + dx^3 + ex^4 + fx^5) where x is body weight in kg and the constants a-f are different for males and females. The formula was developed by Robert Wilks and adopted by the International Powerlifting Federation.
What is a good Wilks score?
For recreational lifters, 300+ is a solid milestone indicating consistent training. A Wilks of 350 is competitive at local meets. 400+ is elite — typically seen at national championships. 450+ puts you in world-class territory. For context, the all-time highest Wilks scores exceed 600, achieved by lightweight lifters with extraordinary strength-to-weight ratios.
Is Wilks or DOTS better?
DOTS (2019) uses more recent competitive data and arguably produces fairer comparisons at extreme body weights (very light and super heavyweight). Wilks slightly favors lighter lifters according to some analyses. The IPF has adopted its own GL (Goodlift) formula. For practical purposes, all three are acceptable. Wilks remains the most widely recognized for historical comparisons.
Does Wilks apply to individual lifts or only the total?
Wilks is designed for the powerlifting total (squat + bench + deadlift combined). However, you can apply the Wilks coefficient to individual lifts for informal comparison. Some calculators offer this feature. Just multiply the individual lift weight by the same body-weight-dependent Wilks coefficient.