The Wilks formula was fitted in 1994 and is known to favor certain bodyweights, so newer formulas such as the IPF GL points and Wilks 2020 are used by many federations. It applies only to the three powerlifts. Equipment, drug testing status and age are not considered.
Different federations use different formulas.
Enter your sex, bodyweight and the total you lifted in a powerlifting meet or training, the sum of your best squat, bench press and deadlift, in the same weight units as bodyweight. The calculator converts to kilograms and applies the 1994 Wilks polynomial, which adjusts the total for bodyweight so lifters of different sizes can be compared. Use competition or well-tested lifts, since the formula is meant for maximum totals.
Wilks Score: formula
European Powerlifting Federation: original Wilks coefficients
Wilks score from sex
| Sex | Male |
|---|---|
| Bodyweight | 180 |
| Total weight lifted | 800 |
| Wilks score | 244.6 |
| Wilks coefficient | 0.674 |
Common error: Using Wilks score as a personal training target instead of a cross-bodyweight comparison tool. Chasing the coefficient rather than genuine strength gains can encourage cutting weight in ways that have nothing to do with getting stronger.
Wilks Score: changing Bodyweight
| Bodyweight | Wilks score | Wilks coefficient |
|---|---|---|
| 144 | 287.4 | 0.792 |
| 162 | 262.3 | 0.723 |
| 180 (example) | 244.6 | 0.674 |
| 198 | 231.9 | 0.639 |
| 216 | 222.7 | 0.614 |
Wilks Score: compare input ranges
| Input | Tested from | To | Wilks score: low input | Wilks score: high input | Swing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Male | Female | 244.6 | 328.4 | 83.7 (34%) |
| Total weight lifted | 720 | 880 | 220.2 | 269.1 | 48.9 (20%) |
| Bodyweight | 162 | 198 | 262.3 | 231.9 | 30.4 (12%) |
Wilks Score: individual input comparisons
| Input | Value | Wilks score | Wilks coefficient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Male | 244.6 | 0.674 |
| Female | 328.4 | 0.905 | |
| Bodyweight | 144 | 287.4 | 0.792 |
| 162 | 262.3 | 0.723 | |
| 180 | 244.6 | 0.674 | |
| 198 | 231.9 | 0.639 | |
| 216 | 222.7 | 0.614 | |
| Total weight lifted | 640 | 195.7 | 0.674 |
| 720 | 220.2 | 0.674 | |
| 800 | 244.6 | 0.674 | |
| 880 | 269.1 | 0.674 | |
| 960 | 293.5 | 0.674 |
Wilks score: Bodyweight against Total weight lifted
| Bodyweight / Total weight lifted | 640 | 800 | 960 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 144 | 229.9 | 287.4 | 344.9 |
| 162 | 209.9 | 262.3 | 314.8 |
| 180 | 195.7 | 244.6 | 293.5 |
| 198 | 185.5 | 231.9 | 278.3 |
| 216 | 178.2 | 222.7 | 267.2 |
Wilks Score: values and definitions
| Quantity and definition | Value used |
|---|---|
| Sex — The Wilks formula uses different polynomial coefficients by sex. | Male |
| Bodyweight — Competition bodyweight, in pounds. | 180 |
| Total weight lifted — Combined competition total, in pounds. | 800 |
| Wilks score | 244.6 |
| Wilks coefficient | 0.674 |
Raw totals can't compare lifters of different bodyweights fairly, since strength doesn't scale in a straight line with body mass: the Wilks coefficient corrects for that curve, which is exactly why it's the standard scoring method competitive powerlifting federations use to rank lifters across weight classes on one leaderboard.
Compare Wilks scores only when the goal is ranking relative strength across different bodyweights, not as a substitute for tracking your own raw total over time.
Estimate your maximums with the one-rep max calculator, and plan nutrition on the protein intake and calorie goal pages. The lean body mass and body fat calculators relate to bodyweight changes. Follow the rules of your federation for the formula used in competition.
Is this Wilks 2020 or IPF GL?
No. It uses the original 1994 Wilks coefficients. Scores from different systems should not be presented as the same metric.
Does 244.62 establish a competition ranking?
No. Ranking also depends on the federation, event, equipment, division and the actual results compared.
Can the same lifted total score differently at another bodyweight?
Yes. Bodyweight changes the polynomial coefficient, so keep bodyweight and total units consistent before conversion.
What is a good Wilks score?
A meaningful comparison needs the coefficient version, competition rules, lifter category and verified squat, bench and deadlift total. The score is a normalization formula rather than a universal novice-to-elite classification. Compare results within the relevant federation’s actual scoring system.
Why do federations use newer formulas?
The original Wilks coefficients were found to favor lighter or heavier lifters in some ranges, and formulas like IPF GL points were designed to be fairer.
Does Wilks work for other lifts?
No. It is designed only for the powerlifting total of squat, bench press and deadlift, so it does not score other lifts or sports.