Wilks Score Calculator
Calculate your Wilks score to compare powerlifting total across different bodyweights.
How to use this tool
- Enter powerlifting total, bodyweight and sex in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your wilks score and the full breakdown beneath it.
The Wilks score lets you compare powerlifting totals across different bodyweights, using a polynomial coefficient based on bodyweight and sex. Higher scores indicate greater relative strength.
Formula
Wilks score = Total (kg) × 500 ÷ (a + b·BW + c·BW2 + d·BW3 + e·BW4 + f·BW5)
Male coefficients: a = −216.0475144, b = 16.2606339, c = −0.002388645, d = −0.00113732, e = 7.01863×10−6, f = −1.291×10−8.
Female coefficients: a = 594.31747775582, b = −27.23842536447, c = 0.82112226871, d = −0.00930733913, e = 4.731582×10−5, f = −9.054×10−8.
How it works
The Wilks formula applies a fifth-degree polynomial to the lifter's bodyweight to produce a coefficient that normalises strength across weight classes, then multiplies the raw total by 500 divided by that coefficient.
It uses sex-specific polynomial constants published by Robert Wilks and historically used by the IPF. A higher score indicates greater bodyweight-adjusted strength; the formula is most reliable in the 52–140 kg bodyweight range for which it was fitted.
Worked example
- Inputs: total = 500 kg, bodyweight = 83 kg, sex = male.
- Evaluate the denominator polynomial at BW = 83 using male coefficients.
- denom ≈ −216.05 + 16.26×83 + (−0.002389)×832 + (−0.001137)×833 + 7.019×10−6×834 + (−1.291×10−8)×83
- Wilks = 500 × 500 ÷ 748.87 ≈ 333.75.
Wilks score = 333.75
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering body weight in pounds instead of kilograms -- the Wilks polynomial coefficients are calibrated for kg, so a lb input produces a completely wrong score.
- Using a single-lift weight (e.g., squat only) instead of the powerlifting total (squat + bench + deadlift), understating the score relative to meet results.
- Applying male coefficients to a female athlete or vice versa -- the coefficient sets differ substantially and swapping them yields an invalid comparison.
Key terms
- Powerlifting total
- The sum of a lifter's best successful squat, bench press, and deadlift in a competition.
- Wilks coefficient
- The denominator value produced by the bodyweight polynomial; dividing into 500 × total yields the Wilks score.
- Bodyweight-adjusted score
- A single number that accounts for the fact that heavier athletes can generally lift more, enabling cross-class comparisons.
- Fifth-degree polynomial
- A mathematical curve fitted to competition data to model the non-linear relationship between bodyweight and lifting capacity.
- IPF
- International Powerlifting Federation, the main governing body of the sport; it later adopted the newer DOTS and GL points formulas alongside Wilks.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a good Wilks score?
- For recreational lifters, 200–300 is solid. Competitive powerlifters typically score 300–400. Elite world-class lifters score 450+.
- Has the Wilks formula changed?
- Yes — a revised formula was published in 2017 (Wilks II). This calculator uses the 2017 coefficients. The older 1993 formula is still seen in some fed records.