What is a Wilks score?
The Wilks score, devised by Robert Wilks, adjusts a powerlifting total for body weight so lifters of different sizes can be compared on one scale. For decades it was the standard way to crown the best lifter at a meet, and most historic records and rankings still quote it.
How the Wilks score is calculated
Wilks = total × 500 ÷ (a + b·bw + c·bw² + d·bw³ + e·bw⁴ + f·bw⁵)
Total and body weight (bw) are in kilograms; the calculator converts pounds for you. The original coefficients, as used in Robert Wilks' published tables, are:
| Coefficient | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| a | −216.0475144 | 594.31747775582 |
| b | 16.2606339 | −27.23842536447 |
| c | −0.002388645 | 0.82112226871 |
| d | −0.00113732 | −0.00930733913 |
| e | 7.01863 × 10⁻⁶ | 4.731582 × 10⁻⁵ |
| f | −1.291 × 10⁻⁸ | −9.054 × 10⁻⁸ |
The coefficients are defined for roughly 40–202 kg for men and 26.5–154.5 kg for women; outside those ranges the calculator uses the nearest limit.
Wilks 2020
In 2020 the formula was revised with new coefficients fitted to newer competition data, and a larger multiplier of 600 instead of 500. Wilks 2020 scores therefore run roughly 20% higher than original Wilks for the same lift — a 600 kg total at 90 kg is 383.04 Wilks but 460.2 Wilks 2020. Always check which version a ranking uses before comparing.
Wilks scores for common totals (men)
| Total | 60 kg bw | 75 kg bw | 90 kg bw | 105 kg bw | 120 kg bw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400 kg | 341 | 285 | 255 | 239 | 230 |
| 500 kg | 426 | 356 | 319 | 299 | 287 |
| 600 kg | 512 | 428 | 383 | 359 | 345 |
| 700 kg | 597 | 499 | 447 | 418 | 402 |
| 800 kg | 682 | 570 | 511 | 478 | 460 |
Wilks scores for common totals (women)
| Total | 52 kg bw | 63 kg bw | 76 kg bw | 84 kg bw | 100 kg bw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 kg | 312 | 268 | 236 | 223 | 208 |
| 300 kg | 374 | 322 | 283 | 268 | 250 |
| 350 kg | 436 | 376 | 330 | 312 | 291 |
| 400 kg | 499 | 430 | 377 | 357 | 333 |
| 450 kg | 561 | 483 | 424 | 401 | 375 |
Wilks vs DOTS
DOTS (2019) was built as a modern alternative and gives similar numbers for middle-weight lifters — 387.96 DOTS for that same 600 kg total at 90 kg — but differs more at the extremes of body weight. Many meets now use DOTS, and the IPF uses its own GL points. The DOTS calculator and powerlifting score calculator show those scores.
Source: Robert Wilks' published coefficient tables (original) and the 2020 revision. The original formula is tested against Wilks' published table values. Scores are rounded to two decimal places in the calculator and to whole numbers in the tables.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Wilks score?
The Wilks score, devised by Robert Wilks, adjusts a powerlifting total for body weight so lifters of different sizes can be compared. For decades it was the standard way to pick the best lifter at a meet.
What is the difference between Wilks and Wilks 2020?
Wilks 2020 is an update fitted to newer competition data. It uses a larger scale — the formula multiplies by 600 instead of 500 — so Wilks 2020 scores run roughly 20% higher, and the two can’t be compared directly.
What is a good Wilks score?
There is no official grading. Compare with lifters of your sex and federation in real meet results, and note which Wilks version the results use.
Does anyone still use Wilks?
Older records and rankings are usually in Wilks, and some federations and meets still use it. The IPF replaced it with its own GL points, and many others now use DOTS.
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.