What is the Wilks score in powerlifting?

Wilks is a bodyweight coefficient applied to your squat + bench + deadlift total so lifters in different classes can be compared on one scale. Higher Wilks = higher relative strength. Default on this page: 80 kg male, 430 kg total (150/100/180 kg) → Wilks 293.56 (coefficient 0.683, Beginner). It rewards strength per kilogram of body mass — a 120 kg lifter can move more absolute kilograms yet score similar Wilks to a lighter athlete with a smaller total.

How is the Wilks score calculated?

Wilks = Total (kg) × Coefficient, where Coefficient = 500 ÷ Denominator and Denominator = a + b·BW + c·BW² + d·BW³ + e·BW⁴ + f·BW⁵ (male or female constants). At 80 kg male: denominator ≈ 732.39, coefficient = 500 ÷ 732.39 ≈ 0.683, total 430 kg → 293.56 Wilks. Steps: convert lifts to kg, sum SBD, evaluate polynomial at bodyweight, multiply.

What is a good Wilks score?

Informal male bands: Beginner < 300, Novice 300–349, Intermediate 350–399, Advanced 400–449, Elite 450–499, World class 500+. Female bands are ~50 points lower per tier. Your 293.56 Wilks (430 kg @ 80 kg) is Beginner — not elite despite a strong-looking absolute total. To hit 350 Wilks at 80 kg male you need ~512.7 kg total (+82.7 kg vs default). 400 Wilks needs ~585.9 kg total.

What is the difference between Wilks and DOTS?

Both normalize SBD totals by bodyweight. Wilks (Robert Wilks, 1994) uses a 5th-degree polynomial; IPF DOTS (2019+) uses a 4th-degree fit to newer data. Same inputs here: Wilks 293.56 vs DOTS 296.50. DOTS is the current IPF ranking standard; Wilks still appears in older meets and gym comparisons. Never mix formulas when tracking personal progress.

How do I improve my Wilks score?

Raise total kg at your competition bodyweight: (1) progressive overload on squat/bench/deadlift, (2) periodized meet prep, (3) optimize weight class — sometimes −2 kg bodyweight with maintained total improves Wilks. From 293.56 Wilks, +20 kg on the bar at 80 kg adds ~13.7 Wilks points (~13.7 at coefficient 0.683). Prioritize meet-depth lifts over gym PRs for accurate scoring.

Does bodyweight affect Wilks score?

Yes — coefficient changes with every kilogram on the scale. At 60 kg male our example scores Wilks 298.51 on 350 kg total; at 120 kg male, 750 kg total scores 431.19 Wilks. Lighter classes get higher coefficients; superheavy totals are huge but Wilks may not rise proportionally. Wilks was known to fit poorly under ~52 kg and above ~120 kg — DOTS partly addressed that.

What are the Wilks formula coefficients?

Male: a = −216.0475144, b = 16.2606339, c = −0.002388645, d = −0.00113732, e = 7.01863×10⁻⁶, f = −1.291×10⁻⁸. Female: a = 594.31747775582, b = −27.23842536447, c = 0.82112226871, d = −0.00930733913, e = 4.731582×10⁻⁵, f = −9.054×10⁻⁸. Plug bodyweight in kg into the polynomial, divide 500 by the result, multiply by your SBD total in kg.

Is Wilks still used in powerlifting competitions?

Less than before 2020. IPF and many affiliates rank with DOTS; some local meets and historical leaderboards still show Wilks. Check your federation rulebook. If your meet posts DOTS, use our DOTS calculator for apples-to-apples tracking — keep Wilks for legacy record comparisons only.

Can I compare Wilks and DOTS scores directly?

No — they are different scales. On default inputs: Wilks 293.56, DOTS 296.50 for the same 430 kg @ 80 kg. DOTS is usually a few points higher for mid-weight males but the gap varies by bodyweight. Compare yourself to others only when everyone uses the same formula.

How do male and female Wilks scores compare?

Separate coefficient sets — do not compare raw numbers across genders. Example: 63 kg female, 295 kg total → Wilks 316.82 (Intermediate). Male 80 kg / 430 kg → 293.56. Female elite is often quoted around 400+ Wilks; male elite 450+ — see strength table on this page.

What Wilks score do I need for 350 or 400 points at 80 kg?

At 80 kg male, coefficient ≈ 0.683: 350 Wilks requires total ≈ 512.7 kg (+82.7 kg vs your 430 kg default). 400 Wilks needs ≈ 585.9 kg total. Split the gap across S/B/D — e.g. +7 kg per lift ≈ +21 kg total ≈ +14 Wilks at this coefficient.

Which calculators pair with the Wilks calculator?

DOTS calculator (current IPF standard), powerlifting total calculator, one-rep max and bench/squat/deadlift max calculators for training loads, weight training volume for tonnage, and Wilks vs DOTS on our dedicated powerlifting Wilks score page for the same math with alternate examples.

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Q: What is the difference between Wilks and DOTS?

Both normalize SBD totals by bodyweight. Wilks (Robert Wilks, 1994) uses a 5th-degree polynomial; IPF DOTS (2019+) uses a 4th-degree fit to newer data. Same inputs here: Wilks 293.56 vs DOTS 296.50. DOTS is the current IPF ranking standard; Wilks still appears in older meets and gym comparisons. Never mix formulas when tracking personal progress.

Q: How do I improve my Wilks score?

Raise total kg at your competition bodyweight: (1) progressive overload on squat/bench/deadlift, (2) periodized meet prep, (3) optimize weight class — sometimes −2 kg bodyweight with maintained total improves Wilks. From 293.56 Wilks, +20 kg on the bar at 80 kg adds ~13.7 Wilks points (~13.7 at coefficient 0.683). Prioritize meet-depth lifts over gym PRs for accurate scoring.

Q: Does bodyweight affect Wilks score?

Yes — coefficient changes with every kilogram on the scale. At 60 kg male our example scores Wilks 298.51 on 350 kg total; at 120 kg male, 750 kg total scores 431.19 Wilks. Lighter classes get higher coefficients; superheavy totals are huge but Wilks may not rise proportionally. Wilks was known to fit poorly under ~52 kg and above ~120 kg — DOTS partly addressed that.

Q: What are the Wilks formula coefficients?

Male: a = −216.0475144, b = 16.2606339, c = −0.002388645, d = −0.00113732, e = 7.01863×10⁻⁶, f = −1.291×10⁻⁸. Female: a = 594.31747775582, b = −27.23842536447, c = 0.82112226871, d = −0.00930733913, e = 4.731582×10⁻⁵, f = −9.054×10⁻⁸. Plug bodyweight in kg into the polynomial, divide 500 by the result, multiply by your SBD total in kg.

Q: Is Wilks still used in powerlifting competitions?

Less than before 2020. IPF and many affiliates rank with DOTS; some local meets and historical leaderboards still show Wilks. Check your federation rulebook. If your meet posts DOTS, use our DOTS calculator for apples-to-apples tracking — keep Wilks for legacy record comparisons only.

Q: Can I compare Wilks and DOTS scores directly?

No — they are different scales. On default inputs: Wilks 293.56, DOTS 296.50 for the same 430 kg @ 80 kg. DOTS is usually a few points higher for mid-weight males but the gap varies by bodyweight. Compare yourself to others only when everyone uses the same formula.

Q: How do male and female Wilks scores compare?

Separate coefficient sets — do not compare raw numbers across genders. Example: 63 kg female, 295 kg total → Wilks 316.82 (Intermediate). Male 80 kg / 430 kg → 293.56. Female elite is often quoted around 400+ Wilks; male elite 450+ — see strength table on this page.

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Powerlifting & relative strength

Wilks Calculator

Free Wilks calculator: compute Wilks score and Wilks coefficient from squat + bench + deadlift total and bodyweight. Default 80 kg, 430 kg SBD → Wilks 293.56 (coef 0.683). Compare weight classes in kg or lb.

Last updated: May 25, 2026

Official 1994 Wilks polynomial (male & female)

Coefficient, denominator, and lift % breakdown

DOTS comparison on the same inputs

Federation uses DOTS now? DOTS calculator

Wilks Calculator

Wilks score from squat + bench + deadlift total and bodyweight (kg or lb)

Gender

Unit

Bodyweight (kg)

Squat (kg)

Bench press (kg)

Deadlift (kg)

Wilks results

Wilks score

293.56

430 kg total (150/100/180 S/B/D) @ 80 kg

Strength level (informal)

Beginner

~25th percentile on this scale

Wilks coefficient

0.683

Denominator

732.39

Lift share: squat 34.9% · bench 23.3% · deadlift 41.9%

Keep building — use consistent training and technique to move up.

Wilks (1994–2020) differs from IPF DOTS — many federations rank with DOTS today. Use one formula consistently when comparing meets.

What This Wilks Calculator Shows

Default: 80 kg male · 150 / 100 / 180 kg SBD

Wilks score

Total × coefficient

293.56

Beginner

SBD total

Kilograms on the bar

430 kg

Squat 34.9% · Bench 23.3% · Deadlift 41.9%

Wilks vs DOTS

Same 430 kg @ 80 kg

Wilks 293.56 · DOTS 296.50

Coef 0.683 · denom 732.39

Quick result — 80 kg · 430 kg total

430 kg SBD @ 80 kg → Wilks 293.56 (coef 0.683). Beginner on this page’s informal scale.

63 kg female

316.8

60 kg male

298.5

120 kg male

431.2

550 kg @ 80 kg

375.5

Wilks formula, strength bands & scenarios

Wilks formula

Wilks = Total (kg) × (500 ÷ Denominator)

Denominator = a + b·BW + c·BW² + d·BW³ + e·BW⁴ + f·BW⁵

Worked at 80 kg male: denominator 732.39 → coefficient 0.683 → 430 × 0.683 = 293.56 Wilks

Informal Wilks strength levels

Level	Male Wilks	Female Wilks	Context
Beginner	< 300	< 250	Learning meet standards and building a base total
Novice	300–349	250–299	Consistent SBD training 1–2 years
Intermediate	350–399	300–349	Strong club lifter; local meet competitive
Advanced	400–449	350–399	Regional-level relative strength
Elite	450–499	400–449	National conversation in many federations
World class	500+	450+	Open-class record-chasing territory

Wilks score scenarios (computed)

Scenario	Total	Wilks	DOTS	Level
Default — 80 kg male	430 kg	293.56	296.50	Beginner
63 kg female	295 kg	316.82	317.28	Intermediate
US units — 176 lb male	429.1 kg	293.33	296.25	Beginner
60 kg male — lighter class	350 kg	298.51	295.41	Beginner
120 kg male — superheavy	750 kg	431.19	430.73	Advanced
80 kg male — intermediate band	550 kg	375.48	379.25	Intermediate

Wilks calculator examples (worked)

Default — 80 kg male

150 + 100 + 180 = 430 kg

Coefficient = 500 ÷ 732.39 = 0.683 → Wilks = 430 × 0.683 = 293.56

Beginner — need ~512.7 kg total for 350 Wilks (+82.7 kg) or ~585.9 kg for 400 Wilks.

US units — 176 lb lifter

429.1 kg total → Wilks 293.33 (DOTS 296.25)

63 kg female

295 kg total → Wilks 316.82 · Intermediate

550 kg @ 80 kg (stronger total)

Wilks 375.48 · Intermediate

750 kg @ 120 kg superheavy

Absolute total is massive; Wilks 431.19 shows relative strength context

Limitations & sources

Wilks uses a 1994-era fifth-degree polynomial—many federations now rank with DOTS instead.
Does not separate raw, wraps, or equipped divisions—your entered total defines the score.
Gym PRs without meet depth/pause may inflate Wilks versus sanctioned bests.
Extreme bodyweights (very light or very heavy) were a known weakness—DOTS was designed partly to address that.
Informal strength bands on this page are not official federation percentiles.
Official meet software may round differently—verify with your sanctioning body when scores must count.

OpenPowerliftingHistorical meet results and coefficient-era rankings
IPF — Rules & technical standardsCurrent federation scoring (DOTS) vs legacy Wilks context

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Calculators

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Powerlifting Wilks Score Calculator

Same Wilks polynomial with extra scenario breakdowns.

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One Rep Max Calculator

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Powerlifting & relative strength

Wilks Calculator

Last updated: May 25, 2026

Official 1994 Wilks polynomial (male & female)

Coefficient, denominator, and lift % breakdown

DOTS comparison on the same inputs

Federation uses DOTS now? DOTS calculator

Wilks Calculator

Wilks score from squat + bench + deadlift total and bodyweight (kg or lb)

Gender

Unit

Bodyweight (kg)

Squat (kg)

Bench press (kg)

Deadlift (kg)

Wilks results

Wilks score

293.56

430 kg total (150/100/180 S/B/D) @ 80 kg

Strength level (informal)

Beginner

~25th percentile on this scale

Wilks coefficient

0.683

Denominator

732.39

Lift share: squat 34.9% · bench 23.3% · deadlift 41.9%

Keep building — use consistent training and technique to move up.

Wilks (1994–2020) differs from IPF DOTS — many federations rank with DOTS today. Use one formula consistently when comparing meets.

What This Wilks Calculator Shows

Default: 80 kg male · 150 / 100 / 180 kg SBD

Wilks score

Total × coefficient

293.56

Beginner

SBD total

Kilograms on the bar

430 kg

Squat 34.9% · Bench 23.3% · Deadlift 41.9%

Wilks vs DOTS

Same 430 kg @ 80 kg

Wilks 293.56 · DOTS 296.50

Coef 0.683 · denom 732.39

Quick result — 80 kg · 430 kg total

430 kg SBD @ 80 kg → Wilks 293.56 (coef 0.683). Beginner on this page’s informal scale.

63 kg female

316.8

60 kg male

298.5

120 kg male

431.2

550 kg @ 80 kg

375.5

Wilks formula, strength bands & scenarios

Wilks formula

Wilks = Total (kg) × (500 ÷ Denominator)

Denominator = a + b·BW + c·BW² + d·BW³ + e·BW⁴ + f·BW⁵

Worked at 80 kg male: denominator 732.39 → coefficient 0.683 → 430 × 0.683 = 293.56 Wilks

Informal Wilks strength levels

Level	Male Wilks	Female Wilks	Context
Beginner	< 300	< 250	Learning meet standards and building a base total
Novice	300–349	250–299	Consistent SBD training 1–2 years
Intermediate	350–399	300–349	Strong club lifter; local meet competitive
Advanced	400–449	350–399	Regional-level relative strength
Elite	450–499	400–449	National conversation in many federations
World class	500+	450+	Open-class record-chasing territory

Wilks score scenarios (computed)

Scenario	Total	Wilks	DOTS	Level
Default — 80 kg male	430 kg	293.56	296.50	Beginner
63 kg female	295 kg	316.82	317.28	Intermediate
US units — 176 lb male	429.1 kg	293.33	296.25	Beginner
60 kg male — lighter class	350 kg	298.51	295.41	Beginner
120 kg male — superheavy	750 kg	431.19	430.73	Advanced
80 kg male — intermediate band	550 kg	375.48	379.25	Intermediate

Wilks calculator examples (worked)

Default — 80 kg male

150 + 100 + 180 = 430 kg

Coefficient = 500 ÷ 732.39 = 0.683 → Wilks = 430 × 0.683 = 293.56

Beginner — need ~512.7 kg total for 350 Wilks (+82.7 kg) or ~585.9 kg for 400 Wilks.

US units — 176 lb lifter

429.1 kg total → Wilks 293.33 (DOTS 296.25)

63 kg female

295 kg total → Wilks 316.82 · Intermediate

550 kg @ 80 kg (stronger total)

Wilks 375.48 · Intermediate

750 kg @ 120 kg superheavy

Absolute total is massive; Wilks 431.19 shows relative strength context

Limitations & sources

Wilks uses a 1994-era fifth-degree polynomial—many federations now rank with DOTS instead.
Does not separate raw, wraps, or equipped divisions—your entered total defines the score.
Gym PRs without meet depth/pause may inflate Wilks versus sanctioned bests.
Extreme bodyweights (very light or very heavy) were a known weakness—DOTS was designed partly to address that.
Informal strength bands on this page are not official federation percentiles.
Official meet software may round differently—verify with your sanctioning body when scores must count.

OpenPowerliftingHistorical meet results and coefficient-era rankings
IPF — Rules & technical standardsCurrent federation scoring (DOTS) vs legacy Wilks context