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Wilks Score Calculator
Find out how strong you are pound-for-pound. Calculate your Wilks score to compare your powerlifting total against any lifter, regardless of their bodyweight.
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How it works
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Step 1
Step 1: Select your gender and unit
The Wilks formula uses different coefficients for men and women. Choose whether you'll input weight in pounds or kilograms.
The Math: The Wilks Polynomial Equation
The Wilks coefficient is derived from a complex fifth-degree polynomial equation. It was developed by Robert Wilks, CEO of Powerlifting Australia, to identify the best overall lifter across different bodyweight categories. It uses empirical world record data to establish a leveled playing field. The total weight lifted is multiplied by the Wilks coefficient to produce the final Wilks Score.
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Calculation Formulas
Coefficient = 500 / (a + bx + cx² + dx³ + ex⁴ + fx⁵)
Where x is bodyweight in kilograms.
a, b, c, d, e, f are unique constants for men and women.Worked Example
A 100 kg male lifter has a Wilks coefficient of approximately 0.6086. If he lifts a total of 700 kg, his Wilks score is 700 × 0.6086 = 426.02.
Worked examples
| Scenario | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lifter A — 83kg Male | 650kg total | Wilks ≈ 433.8 |
| Lifter B — 63kg Female | 400kg total | Wilks ≈ 425.2 |
| Lifter C — 120kg Male | 850kg total | Wilks ≈ 488.6 |
DID YOU KNOW?
Quick facts
A Wilks score of 300 is considered intermediate. 400 is highly competitive locally. 500+ is world-class.
The formula was the official scoring system of the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) from 1995 until 2018.
Wilks tends to favor very light and very heavy lifters slightly more than middleweight lifters.
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Frequently asked questions
To calculate Wilks score accurately, simply select your gender, enter your bodyweight, and input your total weight lifted. Our Powerlifting Wilks Calculator will apply the official Wilks coefficient polynomial to give you your standardized relative strength score.
A score around 250-300 is common for recreational lifters. Breaking 400 means you are a very strong, competitive powerlifter. Hitting 500 places you at an elite, international level.
While the IPF has moved on to the IPF GL formula and many federations now use DOTS, the Wilks score remains incredibly popular among recreational lifters for historical comparison and personal tracking.
Men and women have different strength-to-bodyweight ratios due to biological differences in muscle mass and hormones. Using different coefficients ensures women can be ranked fairly against other women.
Yes, though it was designed for the three-lift total. Many people calculate their 'Bench Wilks' to see who has the strongest relative bench press in their gym.