Wilks Score Calculator
Calculate your Wilks score to compare powerlifting strength fairly across different body weights and genders. Used in competitions to determine Best Lifter awards regardless of weight class.
Last updated: September 2026
Formula below · 3 sources (acsm.org, nsca.com, Wikipedia) · Updated Sep 2026
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About this calculator
The Wilks score was developed by Robert Wilks to create a body-weight-adjusted strength metric for powerlifting. The formula is: Wilks = Total × (500 / W(BW)), where W(BW) is a fifth-degree polynomial in bodyweight whose coefficients differ for males and females. This polynomial models the non-linear relationship between body mass and potential strength — heavier athletes are stronger in absolute terms but not proportionally so. The result is a single coefficient that allows a 60 kg lifter to be compared directly against a 120 kg lifter. Men: W(BW) = −216.0475144 + 16.2606339x − 0.002388645x² − 0.00113732x³ + 7.01863×10⁻⁶x⁴ − 1.291×10⁻⁸x⁵; women: W(BW) = 594.31747775582 − 27.23842536447x + 0.82112226871x² − 0.00930733913x³ + 4.731582×10⁻⁵x⁴ − 9.054×10⁻⁸x⁵, with bodyweight x in kg (clamped to 40–201.9 kg for men and 26.51–154.53 kg for women, as in the official tables). The same formula is used for raw and equipped lifting; federations rank raw and equipped lifters in separate divisions rather than adjusting the score, so compare a score only with lifters in the same division. Scores above 400 are considered elite; 300+ is competitive at national level.
How to use
A male lifter weighing 83 kg posts a powerlifting total of 600 kg. The male polynomial at 83 kg gives W(BW) ≈ 749.1, so the Wilks coefficient is 500 ÷ 749.1 ≈ 0.6675. Wilks score = 600 × 0.6675 ≈ 400.5. A 60 kg woman with a 300 kg total: W(BW) ≈ 448.5, coefficient ≈ 1.1149, score ≈ 334.5. The score is the same whether the lifts were raw or equipped; compare it with other lifters in the same division.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Wilks score for a natural powerlifter?
For raw natural powerlifters, a Wilks score of 300–350 indicates a solid competitive level at regional meets, while 350–400 is nationally competitive in most federations. Scores above 400 are considered elite and place you among the top lifters in the country. Beginners typically start in the 150–250 range. Keep in mind that Wilks scores vary by federation and age category, so comparing within the same competitive context is most meaningful.
How does the Wilks formula differ for male and female lifters?
The Wilks formula uses two separate fifth-degree polynomial equations — one for males and one for females — because the relationship between body mass and maximal strength differs between sexes. The female polynomial produces higher coefficients at a given bodyweight, reflecting that female lifters are being benchmarked against other female lifters rather than penalised for natural physiological differences. This design means a 300 Wilks score represents a similarly elite performance level for both a male and a female lifter within their respective populations.
When should I use Wilks score versus other powerlifting coefficients like IPF GL or Dots?
The Wilks score has been the traditional standard in powerlifting for decades and is still widely used for historical comparisons. However, the IPF replaced Wilks with the IPF GL (Goodlift) coefficient in 2019, arguing it is more statistically robust across a wider range of bodyweights. The Dots coefficient is another alternative that some federations prefer for its simplicity and accuracy at lighter and heavier weight classes. If you compete in IPF-affiliated federations, use IPF GL for official rankings; use Wilks for cross-era comparisons or non-IPF federations.