DOTS score
DOTS (2019) divides your total by a fourth-degree polynomial of body weight fitted to modern competition results, then scales it so scores land in a familiar range. It's used by many federations to pick the best lifter across weight classes.
DOTS = total × 500 ÷ (a + b·bw + c·bw² + d·bw³ + e·bw⁴)
Wilks score (original and 2020)
The Wilks formula, by Robert Wilks, was the standard for decades. Its 2020 revision (sometimes called Wilks-2) uses new coefficients and a 600 scale, rebalancing very light and very heavy lifters, so 2020 scores run roughly 10–25% higher than original Wilks.
Wilks = total × 500 ÷ polynomial(bw) · Wilks 2020 = total × 600 ÷ polynomial(bw)
IPF GL points
The International Powerlifting Federation has used its GL formula since 2020, with separate coefficients for classic and equipped lifting and for full powerlifting and bench-only events.
IPF GL = total × 100 ÷ (A − B·e^(−C·bw))
DOTS vs Wilks vs IPF GL
| Formula | Introduced | Typically used by |
|---|---|---|
| DOTS | 2019 | Many national federations and meets |
| Wilks (original) | 1990s | Historic records and older rankings |
| Wilks 2020 | 2020 | Some federations after the revision |
| IPF GL | 2020 | IPF and its affiliates |
Sources: IPF, “The IPF GL Coefficients for Relative Scoring” (May 2020); Robert Wilks' published coefficient tables; published DOTS coefficients (2019). Body weights outside each formula's published range are clamped to its limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good DOTS score?
As a rough guide for raw lifters: around 300 is a solid intermediate, 400 is advanced and competitive at national level, and 500+ is elite. Women and men are scored on the same scale.
DOTS vs Wilks: which should I use?
DOTS (2019) was fitted to modern competition data and is used by many federations for best-lifter awards. Wilks is older; its 2020 revision rebalanced very light and very heavy lifters. The IPF uses its own GL points. Use whichever your federation uses, and compare like with like.
What is a good IPF GL score?
IPF GL points are scaled so that top international lifters score roughly 100–120; for example, a 700 kg classic total at 83 kg body weight scores about 97.
General fitness information, not medical advice. Results are estimates; check with a doctor or qualified coach before major changes to diet or training. Last reviewed 2026-09-27.