Wilks Calculator

Calculate your Wilks score to compare powerlifting performance across bodyweight categories using squat, bench, and deadlift totals.

Share this calculator

Sex

Units

Enter lifts as

Enter your lifts Enter your body weight and lift data above to calculate your Wilks score.

Also in Strength & Performance

Bench Press Calculator Calories Burned Weight Lifting Calculator Deadlift Max Calculator One Rep Max Calculator Push Ups Calorie Calculator Squat Max Calculator Strength Level Calculator

Powerlifting & Strength

Wilks Calculator — Powerlifting Score

This calculator uses the Wilks coefficient to normalise a powerlifting total against bodyweight, producing a score that allows comparison of relative strength across different weight classes and sexes.

What is the Wilks score?

The Wilks coefficient, developed by Robert Wilks for the International Powerlifting Federation, applies a polynomial correction factor to a lifter's total based on their bodyweight and sex. The result — the Wilks score — allows a 60 kg lifter and a 120 kg lifter to be compared on a like-for-like basis for relative strength.

Wilks score = total lifted (kg) × Wilks coefficient. The coefficient is derived from a fifth-degree polynomial fitted to competitive powerlifting data, producing a smooth correction curve across bodyweights. A higher Wilks score indicates stronger relative performance.

Interpreting your score

As a rough guide: below 100 is untrained, 100–200 beginner, 200–300 intermediate, 300–400 advanced, 400–500 elite, and 500+ indicates world-class relative performance. These bands are informal community benchmarks rather than official categories.

The Wilks formula produces higher coefficients for lighter lifters, reflecting the well-established allometric relationship between strength and bodyweight — absolute strength scales with mass to roughly the ⅔ power. Heavier athletes lift more in absolute terms but less relative to bodyweight.

Wilks vs newer formulas

The IPF introduced the updated IPF GL Points formula in 2020 for official competition use, replacing the classic Wilks formula. The updated formula uses a different mathematical approach and is considered more equitable across bodyweight classes.

This calculator uses the classic 1998 Wilks formula, which remains widely used in community comparisons, older competition records, and non-IPF federations. Results from this calculator will differ from IPF GL Points for the same lifts.

Frequently asked questions

Should I enter my raw or equipped total?

The Wilks formula applies equally to any total — raw, classic raw, single-ply, or multi-ply. However, comparisons are only meaningful within the same equipment category, since equipped lifters achieve higher totals.

 Can I use this for individual lifts?

Yes. Enter lifts individually and the calculator will show the Wilks score for each lift in addition to the total Wilks. This lets you identify relative strengths and weaknesses across the squat, bench, and deadlift.

 What is the difference between the classic Wilks and IPF GL Points?

IPF GL Points uses a more complex mathematical model and separate curves for raw and equipped lifting. It is the official formula for IPF-affiliated competition. Classic Wilks remains in common use for informal comparisons, historical records, and non-IPF federations.

Related

More from nearby categories

These related calculators come from the same leaf category, nearby sibling categories, or the same top-level topic.

One Rep Max Calculator

Estimate one-rep max from the weight and reps you completed, with common strength-formula comparisons and backoff loads.

Open calculator

FFMI Calculator

Calculate your Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI) to gauge muscularity relative to your height, with a normalised score and category from below average to exceptional.

Open calculator

Body Fat Calculator

Estimate body fat percentage with body measurements, then compare fat mass, lean mass, and a general body composition band.

Open calculator

Lean Body Mass Calculator

Estimate lean body mass, fat mass, and lean mass percentage from body weight and body fat percentage.

Open calculator

Privacy choices

If you allow analytics, we may use Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity to better understand how the site is used. Analytics remain off unless you accept.