Key Takeaways
- The Wilks Score allows fair comparison of powerlifting performance across different body weights
- It uses polynomial coefficients developed by Robert Wilks for men and women separately
- A score of 300+ indicates advanced strength, while 400+ is elite level
- The formula normalizes total lifted weight relative to body weight
- Used officially in IPF and most powerlifting federations worldwide
What Is the Wilks Score?
The Wilks Score (also called Wilks Coefficient or Wilks Formula) is a standardized method for comparing the relative strength of powerlifters across different body weight classes. Developed by Robert Wilks, the formula uses polynomial coefficients to normalize a lifter's total (squat + bench press + deadlift) relative to their body weight.
Without such a formula, comparing a 60kg lifter to a 120kg lifter would be unfair, as heavier athletes can typically lift more weight in absolute terms. The Wilks Score levels the playing field by calculating how impressive a lift is relative to body weight, accounting for the non-linear relationship between body weight and strength potential.
The Wilks Formula
Wilks Score = Total Lifted x Coefficient
Wilks Coefficient Values
The polynomial coefficients differ for men and women:
Male coefficients: a = -216.0475144, b = 16.2606339, c = -0.002388645, d = -0.00113732, e = 7.01863E-06, f = -1.291E-08
Female coefficients: a = 594.31747775582, b = -27.23842536447, c = 0.82112226871, d = -0.00930733913, e = 4.731582E-05, f = -9.054E-08
Wilks Score Classification
| Wilks Score | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 500+ | World Class | World record level performance |
| 400-500 | Elite | Top competitive powerlifters |
| 300-400 | Advanced | Competitive level strength |
| 200-300 | Intermediate | Experienced recreational lifter |
| 100-200 | Novice | Beginning lifter with some training |
| Below 100 | Beginner | New to powerlifting |
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your total weight lifted - This is the sum of your best squat, bench press, and deadlift (in kilograms)
- Enter your body weight - Your weight at the time of lifting (in kilograms)
- Select your gender - The formula uses different coefficients for men and women
- Click Calculate - Your Wilks Score and classification will be displayed
Why Use the Wilks Score?
- Fair Competition: Compare your strength to lifters of any weight class
- Track Progress: Monitor your relative strength improvements over time
- Set Goals: Aim for specific classification benchmarks
- Competition Ranking: Used to determine best lifter awards in powerlifting meets
Wilks vs. Other Formulas
While the Wilks formula is widely used, other formulas exist including the IPF Points (DOTS), Glossbrenner, and Schwartz/Malone formulas. The IPF recently introduced the IPF Points system as an alternative, though Wilks remains the most recognized and commonly used method worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a beginner with less than a year of training, a Wilks Score between 100-200 is typical. As you gain experience and strength, you can work toward the intermediate range (200-300). Most recreational lifters plateau somewhere in the intermediate to advanced range.
The Wilks formula is designed for body weights between 40kg and 205kg. Outside this range, the formula becomes less accurate. For extremely light or heavy lifters, other formulas like DOTS or Glossbrenner may provide better comparisons.
For the most accurate comparison to other powerlifters, use your competition total (best successful attempts in a meet). Gym lifts are fine for tracking personal progress, but competition lifts are judged for proper form and depth.
IPF Points (also known as DOTS) is a newer formula introduced by the IPF that some argue provides better comparisons, especially for lighter and heavier lifters. However, Wilks remains the most widely recognized and used formula in powerlifting federations worldwide.
The Wilks formula is designed for kilograms. To convert: divide pounds by 2.205 to get kilograms. For example, a 400 lb total is approximately 181.4 kg, and a 180 lb body weight is approximately 81.6 kg.
Yes, this Wilks Score calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. You can also embed it on your own website using the widget code provided above.