What is a Wilks score?

A Wilks score scales your powerlifting total (squat + bench + deadlift) by a coefficient based on your bodyweight and sex, so lifters of different sizes can be compared on a single number.

Wilks vs DOTS — what's the difference?

Both convert a total into a bodyweight-adjusted score, but they use different coefficient formulas. DOTS is a newer, polynomial-only formula adopted by many federations; Wilks is the long-standing original. Scores from the two systems are not directly interchangeable.

What is a good Wilks score?

As a rough guide, under 200 is a beginner level, 200–300 intermediate, 300–400 advanced, and 400 or more approaches elite or competitive level. These bands are approximate and vary by federation and lift.

How is the Wilks coefficient calculated?

The coefficient is 500 divided by a fifth-degree polynomial of bodyweight (in kilograms) with sex-specific constants. Your total in kilograms is multiplied by that coefficient to give the score.

Does Wilks work for both men and women?

Yes. Both the Wilks and DOTS formulas use separate sets of coefficients for men and women, so a man and a woman with the same bodyweight and total will get different scores.

Wilks & DOTS Calculator

This Wilks calculator scores and compares powerlifting totals across bodyweights using both the Wilks and DOTS coefficients — for men and women, in kilograms or pounds.

How it works

A heavier lifter can usually move more weight than a lighter one, so raw totals aren't a fair head-to-head. The Wilks and DOTS systems fix that by multiplying your total by a coefficient that depends on your bodyweight and sex. The result is a single number you can compare across weight classes — and, because the coefficients are sex-specific, between men and women.

Both formulas work in kilograms. The DOTS score is total × 500 ÷ (A + B·bw + C·bw² + D·bw³ + E·bw⁴), while the original Wilks coefficient is 500 ÷ (a + b·bw + c·bw² + d·bw³ + e·bw⁴ + f·bw⁵), multiplied by your total. Each uses its own set of constants for men and women. If you enter pounds, we convert to kilograms first.

Worked example

Take a man weighing 100 kg with a 600 kg total (squat + bench + deadlift). Plugging 100 kg into the formulas gives a Wilks score of 319.91 and a DOTS score of 369.34. The two numbers differ because the coefficient formulas are different — which is why you should only compare scores within the same system.

Interpreting your score

Rough, approximate bands (they vary by federation and system):

Score (approx.)	Level
Under 200	Beginner
200–300	Intermediate
300–400	Advanced
400+	Elite

These bands are approximate and intended only as a rough guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Wilks score?: A Wilks score scales your powerlifting total (squat + bench + deadlift) by a coefficient based on your bodyweight and sex, so lifters of different sizes can be compared on a single number.
Wilks vs DOTS — what's the difference?: Both convert a total into a bodyweight-adjusted score, but they use different coefficient formulas. DOTS is a newer, polynomial-only formula adopted by many federations; Wilks is the long-standing original. Scores from the two systems are not directly interchangeable.
What is a good Wilks score?: As a rough guide, under 200 is a beginner level, 200–300 intermediate, 300–400 advanced, and 400 or more approaches elite or competitive level. These bands are approximate and vary by federation and lift.
How is the Wilks coefficient calculated?: The coefficient is 500 divided by a fifth-degree polynomial of bodyweight (in kilograms) with sex-specific constants. Your total in kilograms is multiplied by that coefficient to give the score.
Does Wilks work for both men and women?: Yes. Both the Wilks and DOTS formulas use separate sets of coefficients for men and women, so a man and a woman with the same bodyweight and total will get different scores.

Related calculators

Disclaimer. These scores are for comparison and estimation only. The Wilks and DOTS coefficients are revised periodically, so a federation's current official figures may differ. Not medical advice.