Wilks, DOTS & IPF GL Points Calculator

Compare your powerlifting strength across weight classes using multiple scoring formulas. Calculate Wilks, DOTS, and IPF GL Points to see how you stack up against other lifters.

How it works: Enter your bodyweight and total (or individual lift) to calculate your relative strength scores across all major powerlifting formulas.

Your Lift Data

Use Imperial Units (lbs)

Bodyweight *

lbs

Total Lifted *

lbs

Gender

Male Female

Equipment Type (for IPF GL)

Raw Single-ply

Event Type (for IPF GL)

Full Power (SBD) Bench Only

Understanding Powerlifting Strength Scores

Powerlifting federations use relative strength formulas to compare lifters across different body weights. These formulas calculate a score that accounts for the natural strength advantage heavier lifters have, allowing fair comparison between a 60kg lifter and a 120kg lifter.

The Three Major Formulas

Wilks Coefficient

The original and most widely recognized formula, developed by Robert Wilks in 1994. Uses a 5th-degree polynomial to calculate a coefficient based on bodyweight.

Used by: Many federations worldwide, historical records

DOTS Score

Developed as an improvement to Wilks, using a 4th-degree polynomial. Better balances extreme weight classes and includes updated data from modern lifters.

Used by: USAPL, USPA (for best lifter awards)

IPF GL Points

The official IPF formula (replacing IPF Points in 2020). Uses separate coefficients for gender, equipment type, and event. Updated every four years.

Used by: IPF and all IPF-affiliated federations

Score Interpretation

While exact categorizations vary, here are general strength level guidelines:

Level	Men (Wilks/DOTS)	Women (Wilks/DOTS)	Description
World Class	500+	450+	International competition level
Elite	450-499	400-449	National competition level
Advanced	400-449	350-399	Competitive at local meets
Intermediate	350-399	300-349	Solid lifter, consistent training
Novice	300-349	250-299	1-2 years of training
Beginner	<300	<250	New to powerlifting

How to Use This Calculator

For Meet Day

Enter your competition bodyweight (usually weighed same day as lifting)
Enter your total (sum of best squat, bench, and deadlift for full power; bench only for bench-only meets)
Select your gender and equipment category
Your scores will calculate automatically across all three formulas

For Training

Use your current bodyweight (morning weight is most consistent)
Use gym PRs or estimated maxes for your total
Track your scores over time to see relative strength improvements
Compare scores to competition standards for your federation

Note: Different federations use different formulas. Check your federation's rules to see which formula is used for rankings and best lifter awards.

Formula Details

Wilks Formula

Wilks = Total × (500 / (a + b×BW + c×BW² + d×BW³ + e×BW⁴ + f×BW⁵))

Where BW is bodyweight in kg, and a-f are gender-specific coefficients.

DOTS Formula

DOTS = Total × (500 / (a + b×BW + c×BW² + d×BW³ + e×BW⁴))

Similar to Wilks but uses a 4th-degree polynomial with updated coefficients.

IPF GL Formula

IPF GL = Total × (100 / (A - B × e^(-C × BW)))

Uses exponential decay with separate coefficients for gender, equipment, and event type.

Which Formula Should I Use?

Competing in IPF? Use IPF GL Points - it's the official standard
Competing in USAPL/USPA? DOTS is used for best lifter awards
Comparing to historical records? Wilks is still widely recognized
General training? Track all three to see consistency across formulas