Wilks Calculator - Powerlifting
Calculate Wilks, DOTS, and GL powerlifting scores. Total × Coefficient(bodyweight). 500+ world-class. 5th-degree polynomial. Free calculator.
📋 Quick Examples — Click to Load
📊 Wilks Score Comparison
Wilks vs DOTS vs GL
📈 Wilks by Bodyweight
Score curve across weight classes
🍩 Formula Breakdown
Total vs Coefficient
📊 Wilks vs DOTS vs GL
Your scores
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
Wilks = Total × Coefficient(bodyweight). The coefficient uses a 5th-degree polynomial for men and women. Robert Wilks created it in the 1990s. IPF switched to DOTS in 2019. 500+ Wilks is world-class. Coefficients favor middleweights. Also supports DOTS and GL formulas.
Sources: IPF, OpenPowerlifting, Stronger By Science.
Key Takeaways
- • Wilks = Total × Coefficient. Coefficient from 5th-degree polynomial in bodyweight.
- • 500+ Wilks is world-class. 400+ elite. 300+ intermediate.
- • IPF switched from Wilks to DOTS in 2019. DOTS and GL improve balance for extreme weight classes.
- • Coefficients favor middleweights; lightweights and SHW get adjusted.
Did You Know?
How Does Wilks Work?
Formula
Wilks = Total × (500 / (a + bx + cx² + dx³ + ex⁴ + fx⁵)). x = bodyweight in kg. Men and women have different coefficients.
DOTS & GL
DOTS: 2019 formula used by USAPL/USPA. IPF GL (GoodLift): IPF standard since 2020. Both improve balance for extreme weight classes.
Total
Total = best squat + best bench + best deadlift from a single meet. All in kg.
Expert Tips
Wilks Benchmarks
| Wilks | Level |
|---|---|
| 500+ | World-class |
| 400+ | Elite |
| 300+ | Intermediate |
| 200+ | Beginner |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wilks score?
Wilks = Total × Coefficient(bodyweight). The coefficient uses a 5th-degree polynomial to normalize strength across bodyweights. Created by Robert Wilks in the 1990s. 500+ Wilks is world-class. IPF switched to DOTS in 2019.
How is the Wilks coefficient calculated?
Coeff = 500 / (a + bx + cx² + dx³ + ex⁴ + fx⁵) where x = bodyweight in kg. Men and women have different polynomial coefficients. The total (squat + bench + deadlift) is multiplied by the coefficient.
What is a good Wilks score?
500+ is world-class. 400+ is elite. 300+ is intermediate. Coefficients favor middleweights; extreme lightweights and super heavyweights get adjusted. Compare within your weight class for context.
What is the difference between Wilks, DOTS, and GL?
Wilks: original 1990s formula. DOTS: 2019 update, used by USAPL/USPA. IPF GL (GoodLift): IPF standard since 2020. All normalize total across bodyweight. DOTS and GL improve balance for extreme weight classes.
Why did IPF switch from Wilks to DOTS?
IPF switched in 2019 to DOTS for better homogeneity across weight classes. Wilks had bias toward middleweights. DOTS and later IPF GL provide fairer comparison for lightweights and super heavyweights.
Who created the Wilks formula?
Robert Wilks, CEO of Powerlifting Australia, created the formula in the 1990s. It became the IPF standard until 2019. The formula addresses power-to-weight ratio disparities between weight classes.
Key Statistics
Official Data Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Wilks, DOTS, and GL formulas may vary by federation. Not professional advice. Verify with your federation for official scoring.