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What Is the Wilks Score?
The Wilks score is a number that measures relative powerlifting strength. It takes your total (squat + bench press + deadlift) and multiplies it by a coefficient that adjusts for your bodyweight and gender — giving every lifter a single fair number to compare against anyone, regardless of size.
It was created by Robert Wilks, CEO of Powerlifting Australia, to solve a simple problem: heavier lifters always win on raw kilos but are they truly stronger? The Wilks score answers that question.
Wilks Score Reference Chart
| Wilks Score | Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Under 300 | Beginner | Building the base — first year of serious training |
| 300 – 349 | Novice | Solid progress — consistently training for 1–2 years |
| 350 – 399 | Intermediate | Strong gym lifter — top 30% of trained athletes |
| 400 – 449 | Advanced | National-level competitive — top 10% |
| 450 – 499 | Elite | International-level competitor — top 2–5% |
| 500+ | World Class | All-time great — top 1% globally |
The Wilks Formula
The Wilks Score is calculated as:
Wilks Score = Total (kg) × [500 / (a + b·BW + c·BW² + d·BW³ + e·BW⁴ + f·BW⁵)]
Men and women use completely separate sets of polynomial coefficients (a through f). This calculator uses the original 2004 Wilks coefficients — the most widely accepted version for historical comparison.
Wilks vs DOTS vs IPF Points
Wilks (2004) is the original formula and still widely used for historical comparison and general gym use. DOTS (2020) and IPF Points are newer formulas that better handle extreme bodyweights (very light or very heavy lifters). If you're competing in IPF-affiliated federations, check which formula your federation uses. For general strength comparison, Wilks remains the most recognized.
How to Improve Your Wilks Score
The fastest ways: increase your total by improving all three lifts equally (a weak deadlift hurts more than a strong bench helps), maintain a competitive bodyweight for your class, and avoid extreme water cuts that reduce strength on meet day. A 10-point Wilks increase at the same bodyweight represents pure strength progress — that's the number to track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under 300 = Beginner. 300–349 = Novice. 350–399 = Intermediate (strong gym lifter). 400–449 = Advanced (national level). 450–499 = Elite (international). 500+ = World Class. These apply to both men and women using the original Wilks formula.
Wilks Score = Total (kg) × Wilks Coefficient. The coefficient comes from a 5th-degree polynomial using your bodyweight and gender. Lighter lifters get a higher coefficient, heavier lifters get a lower one — making the comparison fair across all weight classes.
The Wilks coefficient is a multiplier that adjusts for bodyweight. It's roughly 0.4–1.2 — lighter lifters get a higher multiplier (bigger boost) and heavier lifters get a lower one. Multiply your total by this coefficient to get your Wilks score.
Yes — completely separate polynomial coefficients for men and women. This is why you must select your gender for an accurate result. Mixing up gender will give you a significantly wrong score.
Increase your total by improving all three lifts. Stay at a competitive bodyweight for your class. Avoid extreme water cuts that hurt strength on meet day. Focus on your weakest lift first — a weak deadlift costs more Wilks points than a strong bench press earns.
Wilks (2004) is the original formula — best for historical comparison and general gym use. DOTS and IPF Points are newer and better handle extreme bodyweights. For IPF-affiliated competitions, use what your federation requires. For tracking your own progress or comparing with friends, Wilks is the most universally understood.