Wilks Calculator

Category: Sports
- April 11, 2025
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Calculate your Wilks Score to compare powerlifting performances across different weight classes and genders. The Wilks Formula is used to standardize and compare powerlifting totals based on body weight.

Personal Information

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Lift Data

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kg
kg

Advanced Options

About the Wilks Formula

The Wilks Formula was developed by Robert Wilks for the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). It allows for the comparison of powerlifting totals between lifters of different bodyweights and genders.

How It Works

The formula applies a coefficient based on bodyweight to the total weight lifted across the squat, bench press, and deadlift. This creates a standardized score that can be used to compare lifters regardless of their weight class.

Formula Versions
  • Wilks Formula (Classic): The original formula used since the 1990s.
  • Wilks 2.0 (Updated 2020): An updated version with revised coefficients.
  • IPF GL Points: The newer formula adopted by the IPF in 2019 to replace the Wilks formula.
  • DOTS: A more recent formula designed to better account for differences in body composition.
Performance Standards

General Wilks score standards (Classic Wilks) for men:

  • Beginner: < 200
  • Novice: 200-250
  • Intermediate: 250-300
  • Advanced: 300-350
  • Elite: > 350

General Wilks score standards (Classic Wilks) for women:

  • Beginner: < 150
  • Novice: 150-200
  • Intermediate: 200-250
  • Advanced: 250-300
  • Elite: > 300

What Is the Wilks Calculator?

The Wilks Calculator is a powerful tool used by strength athletes and coaches to assess powerlifting performance fairly across individuals of different body weights and genders. It helps you determine your Wilks score—a single number that reflects your strength in relation to your bodyweight.

Unlike basic tools such as a body fat percentage calculator or BMI tool, the Wilks Calculator focuses on functional strength, not just body composition or health markers.

Wilks (Classic) Formula:
Wilks Score = Total × (500 / (a + b×x + c×x² + d×x³ + e×x⁴ + f×x⁵))
Where: x is bodyweight in kilograms, and a–f are coefficients based on gender.

Why Use the Wilks Calculator?

When comparing strength between lifters, total weight lifted doesn’t tell the full story. A 90kg athlete lifting 200kg isn’t the same as a 60kg athlete doing the same. The Wilks Calculator corrects for bodyweight, giving a clearer picture of relative strength.

Here’s how it can help:

  • Compare lifters in different weight classes
  • Evaluate personal progress over time
  • Determine qualifications for competitions
  • Track your score using different formulas: Classic Wilks, Wilks 2.0, IPF Points, or DOTS
  • Get categorized into performance levels: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Elite

How to Use the Calculator

Follow these simple steps to calculate your Wilks Score:

  • Select your gender (Male or Female)
  • Choose your preferred weight unit (kg or lb)
  • Enter your bodyweight
  • Input your lift data: You can either enter each lift (squat, bench press, deadlift) or your total
  • Pick a scoring formula: Options include Classic Wilks, Wilks 2.0, IPF GL Points, and DOTS
  • Set how many decimal places you want the score displayed with
  • Click “Calculate Wilks Score” to view your result

Performance Level

After calculation, the tool shows your performance level. This helps you set realistic strength goals and compare yourself with others.

Example classification for men (Wilks Classic):

  • Beginner: Under 200
  • Novice: 200–250
  • Intermediate: 250–300
  • Advanced: 300–350
  • Elite: Over 350

For women, the scale starts lower but follows the same structure.

How It Compares to Other Fitness Calculators

While a BMR calculator estimates your basal metabolic rate and a calorie calculator provides daily calorie intake suggestions, the Wilks Calculator zeroes in on strength. It's especially useful if you're already tracking your training progress with tools like a 1-rep max calculator, lean body mass estimator, or body composition guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my Wilks score mean?

It’s a strength score that adjusts for bodyweight. A higher number indicates stronger performance relative to your size.

Which formula should I use?

Classic Wilks is widely used, but IPF GL Points and DOTS are more modern and used in different federations. Try each to see how your score compares.

What if I don’t know my total?

No problem—you can enter individual lifts and the calculator will total them for you.

Can this be used for weight loss tracking?

Not directly, but it complements your goals. Combine it with a calorie deficit calculator or daily calorie needs tracker to see how strength and body composition improve together.

Is this calculator useful for non-athletes?

Yes, it can motivate anyone working on strength goals. Even if you're using a healthy weight guide or body fat measurement tool, strength metrics provide valuable insight into functional fitness.

Final Thoughts

The Wilks Calculator is an excellent tool to benchmark your lifting progress. Whether you're preparing for a competition or tracking your own milestones, it helps you interpret your efforts with greater accuracy. Try it today alongside your other fitness tools like a calorie tracker, body fat estimator, or BMI measurement for a more complete picture of your fitness journey.