Question 1

What are Wilks, DOTS, and IPF GL Points?

Accepted Answer

These are bodyweight-adjusted scoring formulas that allow fair comparison of powerlifters across different weight classes. Each formula calculates a coefficient based on your bodyweight, then multiplies it by your total lifted. The three formulas: Wilks Coefficient (1994): The original and most widely recognized formula, developed by Robert Wilks. Uses a 5th-degree polynomial equation. Still used by many federations worldwide and for historical comparisons. DOTS Score (2019): An improved formula using a 4th-degree polynomial with updated data from modern lifters. Better balances extreme weight classes and is used by USAPL and USPA for best lifter awards. IPF GL Points (2020): The official IPF formula that replaced the older IPF Points system. Uses separate coefficients for gender, equipment type (raw vs equipped), and event type (full power vs bench only). Updated every four years based on current world records. Why it matters: A 60kg lifter totaling 400kg deserves recognition compared to a 120kg lifter totaling 600kg. These formulas level the playing field by accounting for the natural strength advantage that comes with higher bodyweight.

Question 2

What are the main differences between Wilks, DOTS, and IPF GL?

Accepted Answer

While all three formulas serve the same purpose, they differ in methodology and application: Mathematical approach: Wilks: 5th-degree polynomial (6 coefficients). Most complex calculation but tried-and-true. DOTS: 4th-degree polynomial (5 coefficients). Simplified approach with modern data. IPF GL: Exponential decay function with event-specific coefficients. Different math entirely. Data and recency: Wilks: Based on 1990s data. Never updated since 1994. DOTS: Uses contemporary powerlifting data through 2019. More representative of modern lifters. IPF GL: Recalculated every 4 years using current world records. Most up-to-date approach. Scoring scale: Wilks & DOTS: Similar scale (300-500+). A 400 Wilks roughly equals a 400 DOTS for most lifters. IPF GL: Different scale entirely (40-120+). A 100 IPF GL point is roughly equivalent to a 450 Wilks/DOTS. Specificity: IPF GL is unique in having separate formulas for raw vs equipped lifting and full power vs bench-only events, making it more precise for competition use.

Question 3

Which formula should I use?

Accepted Answer

The right formula depends on your federation and purpose: For competition: IPF or IPF-affiliated federations: Use IPF GL Points—it's the official standard for rankings and best lifter awards. USAPL or USPA: DOTS is used for best lifter awards (though USAPL is IPF-affiliated, they adopted DOTS). Other federations: Check your federation's rules. Many still use Wilks for historical continuity. For training and personal tracking: Track all three: This gives you the best overall picture of your relative strength and ensures consistency across formulas. Use DOTS for modern context: If you want a single number, DOTS provides the most up-to-date assessment for contemporary lifters. Use Wilks for historical comparison: Comparing yourself to classic lifting records? Wilks is still the standard. Bottom line: Your federation determines which formula matters for competition results. For personal use, tracking multiple formulas reveals how well-rounded your strength is across different standards.

Question 4

What is considered a good Wilks or DOTS score?

Accepted Answer

Score standards apply similarly to both Wilks and DOTS (they use comparable scales). Here's what different scores mean: Men: 500+: World Class — International competition level. Top 1% of all lifters. 450-499: Elite — National competition level. Competitive at major meets. 400-449: Advanced — Competitive at local and regional meets. Several years of dedicated training. 350-399: Intermediate — Solid lifter with consistent training. Respectable at any gym. 300-349: Novice — 1-2 years of proper powerlifting training. <300: Beginner — New to powerlifting or strength training. Women: 450+: World Class — International competition level. 400-449: Elite — National competition level. 350-399: Advanced — Competitive at local meets. 300-349: Intermediate — Solid lifter, consistent training. 250-299: Novice — 1-2 years of training. <250: Beginner — New to powerlifting. IPF GL Points (different scale): Men aim for 100+ (elite), 80+ (advanced), 60+ (intermediate). Women aim for 90+ (elite), 70+ (advanced), 50+ (intermediate). Context matters: These are general guidelines. Your score should improve consistently over years of training, and comparing yourself to your past performance is more valuable than arbitrary standards.

Question 5

Why does bodyweight adjustment matter in powerlifting?

Accepted Answer

Bodyweight adjustment is essential because strength doesn't scale linearly with body mass—it follows an exponential curve due to biomechanics and muscle physiology. The physics problem: Muscle cross-sectional area (strength) increases with the square of linear dimensions (L²) Body mass increases with the cube of linear dimensions (L³) This means a heavier lifter has proportionally more muscle mass to move proportionally more bodyweight Real-world example: A 60kg lifter with a 400kg total (6.67× bodyweight) demonstrates greater relative strength than a 120kg lifter with a 600kg total (5× bodyweight), even though the heavier lifter moved 200kg more weight. The lighter lifter is likely closer to their genetic potential. Why formulas exist: Without adjustment: Super heavyweights would win every "best lifter" award Lighter lifters would have no recognition despite exceptional relative strength Progress tracking wouldn't account for intentional weight changes (cutting/bulking) Competition fairness: Bodyweight adjustment allows a 52kg female lifter to be recognized alongside a 120kg male lifter on an equal playing field. It's the difference between comparing absolute weight moved vs. actual strength relative to body size. For training: These formulas let you track strength progress independently of bodyweight changes. If you gain 10kg but your score stays constant, you know you maintained relative strength while adding mass.

Question 6

How can I improve my Wilks/DOTS/IPF GL score?

Accepted Answer

Your score can improve in two ways: increasing your total or optimizing your bodyweight. Here's how to approach both: 1. Increase your total (primary method): Progressive overload: Follow a structured program (e.g., 5/3/1, Conjugate, DUP) that systematically increases training stress Address weak points: Your total is limited by your weakest lift. If your deadlift is 50kg behind expectations, focus there Technique refinement: Proper form often adds 10-20kg to each lift through better leverage and force transfer Consistency: Training 3-5x/week for months and years builds the foundation for a high score 2. Optimize bodyweight (secondary method): Lighter lifters have an advantage: The formulas slightly favor lighter bodyweights at equal totals, but this is minimal Body recomposition: Losing fat while maintaining muscle can improve your score if you maintain your total Don't chase the formula: Intentionally cutting weight just to improve your score usually backfires—you'll likely lose strength and total Realistic expectations: Beginners: Can add 50-100 points per year with consistent training Intermediate: 20-50 points per year is excellent progress Advanced: 10-20 points per year requires dedicated effort Elite: 5-10 points per year represents world-class improvement Smart approach: Focus on getting stronger (higher total) rather than gaming your bodyweight. Build muscle, eat to support training, and let your score reflect genuine strength development. The formula's purpose is fair comparison, not to be optimized artificially.

Question 7

How do I use this calculator for meet preparation and tracking?

Accepted Answer

This calculator serves multiple purposes throughout your powerlifting journey: For meet day: Official bodyweight: Enter the weight from your official weigh-in (usually same day as lifting, sometimes 24h before) Competition total: Sum of your best successful squat, bench press, and deadlift from the meet Check standings: Your Wilks/DOTS/IPF GL score determines your placing for best lifter awards (separate from weight class placing) Equipment matters: Select "Raw" or "Single-ply" for accurate IPF GL calculation (DOTS and Wilks don't distinguish) For training progress: Consistent tracking: Calculate your score monthly using morning bodyweight and gym PRs or conservative estimates Weight class planning: If your score improves while bodyweight stays constant, you're getting stronger relative to your size Bulk/cut decisions: Track how bodyweight changes affect your score. Ideally, score stays constant or improves during weight changes For goal setting: Compare to standards: Use the level categories (Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, etc.) to set realistic targets Federation-specific goals: If competing in USAPL, focus on DOTS. If IPF, focus on IPF GL Points for your equipment/event Long-term progression: A 400 DOTS might be your 1-year goal, 450 at 3 years, 500 at 5+ years (highly individual) Pro tip: Track all three formulas in a spreadsheet over time. If your scores diverge significantly (e.g., good Wilks but poor IPF GL), it might indicate your bodyweight is at an extreme where one formula handles it better—or it could reveal technique differences between raw and equipped lifting standards. Different events: For bench-only competition, select "Bench Only" event type for IPF GL (Wilks and DOTS don't differentiate, but you'd enter only your bench press as the "total").

Wilks, DOTS & IPF GL Points Calculator

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Powerlifting Scores FAQ

What are Wilks, DOTS, and IPF GL Points?

What are the main differences between Wilks, DOTS, and IPF GL?

Which formula should I use?

What is considered a good Wilks or DOTS score?

Why does bodyweight adjustment matter in powerlifting?

How can I improve my Wilks/DOTS/IPF GL score?

How do I use this calculator for meet preparation and tracking?

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