How strength levels are classified
Strength standards are typically expressed as a multiple of bodyweight lifted. An untrained male can typically squat around 0.75× bodyweight, while an elite level corresponds to roughly 3× bodyweight. These benchmarks reflect the performance distribution of trained individuals at each stage of their lifting career.
The Wilks score is a formula developed for powerlifting competition that adjusts total lifted weight by a polynomial function of bodyweight, enabling fair comparison between lifters of different sizes. Higher Wilks scores indicate better relative strength across weight classes.