Wilks Score Calculator - Powerlifting Performance Comparison

Wilks Score Calculator

Compare powerlifting strength across body weights

Calculate Your Wilks Score

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Total Lifted

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Wilks Coefficient

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Your Level

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What is Wilks Score?

The Wilks Score is a coefficient used in powerlifting to compare the relative strength of lifters across different body weight classes. It allows fair comparison between a 60kg lifter and a 120kg lifter by accounting for the natural strength advantages of heavier bodyweights.

How Wilks Score Works

The Wilks formula calculates a coefficient based on your body weight, then multiplies your total lifted weight (squat + bench + deadlift) by this coefficient. The result is a normalized score that represents your strength relative to all lifters, regardless of weight class.

Wilks Score = Total Lifted (kg) × Wilks Coefficient

Wilks Coefficient Formula:
500 / (a + b×BW + c×BW² + d×BW³ + e×BW⁴ + f×BW⁵)

Where BW = body weight in kg, and a, b, c, d, e, f are gender-specific constants

Wilks Score Standards

LevelMenWomenDescription
Beginner< 250< 2000-1 year training
Novice250-350200-2751-2 years training
Intermediate350-400275-3252-3 years training
Advanced400-450325-3753-5 years training
Elite450-500375-425National level competitor
World Class500+425+International competitor

⚠️ Note on Wilks Formula:

The Wilks formula was updated in 2020 to Wilks2 with new coefficients, but the original Wilks remains widely used. Some federations now use alternative formulas like IPF GL Points or Dots. This calculator uses the original Wilks formula, which is still the most recognized standard for comparing strength across weight classes.

Why Wilks Matters

  • Fair Comparison: Compare your strength to lifters of all body weights
  • Competition Ranking: Many powerlifting meets award "best lifter" based on Wilks
  • Goal Setting: Track your progress independently of weight changes
  • Motivation: See how you rank against world-class lifters
  • Weight Class Decision: Determine optimal competition weight class

💡 Improving Your Wilks Score:

To increase Wilks score: Focus on total strength (squat + bench + deadlift), address weak lifts first, consider optimal body composition (lean muscle mass), compete in appropriate weight class, follow periodized training program, prioritize recovery and nutrition. Lighter lifters often have higher Wilks due to favorable strength-to-weight ratios.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good Wilks score? +

For men: 300+ is respectable (recreational lifter), 350-400 is competitive (regional level), 400-450 is advanced (national qualifier), 450-500 is elite (national medalist), 500+ is world class. For women: 250+ is respectable, 300-350 is competitive, 350-400 is advanced, 400-450 is elite, 450+ is world class. Most recreational lifters plateau at 250-350 (men) or 200-300 (women).

Why do lighter lifters have higher Wilks scores? +

The Wilks formula compensates for the fact that heavier lifters have natural strength advantages but not proportionally. A 60kg lifter totaling 400kg has higher relative strength than a 100kg lifter totaling 600kg, reflected in higher Wilks (higher coefficient for lighter weights). This is why pound-for-pound rankings favor lighter athletes across all sports.

Should I lose weight to improve my Wilks? +

Only if you're carrying excess body fat (>20% men, >30% women). Losing fat while maintaining strength increases Wilks. However, don't sacrifice muscle mass for a higher score. Most competitive lifters find their optimal weight class where they're lean but not depleted. Dropping too much weight usually decreases absolute strength more than the coefficient compensates.

Is Wilks still used in powerlifting? +

Yes, though some federations have adopted newer formulas. IPF uses IPF GL Points, some use Dots or Wilks2. However, Wilks remains the most widely recognized and used system globally for comparing lifters across weight classes. It's the standard reference when discussing relative strength outside of specific federation contexts. Most lifters still calculate and compare Wilks scores.