What is a Wilks score?

The Wilks score is a coefficient used in powerlifting to compare the relative strength of lifters across different bodyweights and genders. It normalizes your combined squat, bench press, and deadlift total so you can fairly compare against lifters of any weight class.

Who invented the Wilks formula?

Robert Wilks, former CEO of Powerlifting Australia, developed the formula in 1994. It was adopted internationally as the standard scoring system by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and many national federations for "Best Lifter" awards.

What is a good Wilks score?

Scores generally break down as: under 200 is a novice, 200-300 is intermediate, 300-400 is advanced, 400-500 is elite, and 500+ is world-class. Over 600 is exceptional — only a small handful of lifters in history have achieved it.

What inputs do I need?

You need your bodyweight and your three competition lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift (best successful attempts). The Wilks formula multiplies your total by a coefficient based on your bodyweight and gender.

Is Wilks still used in 2026?

Wilks is still widely used, though many federations (including USAPL) have transitioned to DOTS or IPF GL points. Wilks remains the most familiar scoring system for most lifters and is still accepted in many meets.

Wilks vs DOTS — which is better?

DOTS uses a newer dataset and better represents modern lifters, especially lightweight and heavyweight divisions where Wilks has known biases. But Wilks is deeply entrenched historically. Many lifters calculate both to see where they stand under each system.

Strength · No. 26Intermediate · 2 min

Wilks Score
Powerlifting Coefficient

Calculate Wilks score from your squat, bench, and deadlift totals — the classic powerlifting metric.

Calculator

Understanding the Wilks Formula

The Wilks formula was developed by Robert Wilks in 1994 to compare powerlifters of different bodyweights on a single scale. It uses a fifth-order polynomial fit to historical performance data, producing a coefficient that adjusts your total.

When Wilks Falls Short

Wilks has known biases: it tends to favor mid-heavyweight lifters and undervalue performance at the weight extremes. Modern alternatives like DOTS and IPF GL points address these issues. Serious competitive lifters often calculate all three.

About the Calculation

This tool uses the original 1994 Wilks coefficients. The 2020 "Wilks 2" update uses revised numbers but has seen limited federation adoption. If you're preparing for a specific meet, check which formula your federation uses.

Formula

Coefficient = 500 / (a + bx + cx² + dx³ + ex⁴ + fx⁵)

Where x = bodyweight (kg)

Wilks Score = Total (kg) × Coefficient

Wilks Score Categories

Category	Wilks Range
Beginner	Under 100
Novice	100-199
Intermediate	200-299
Advanced	300-399
Elite	400-499
World Class	500+

Understanding the Wilks Formula

When Wilks Falls Short

About the Calculation

Formula

Wilks Score Categories

Frequently Asked Questions

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