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Your Wilks Score — compare strength across body weights.

Enter your powerlifting total (squat + bench + deadlift) and body weight to get your Wilks coefficient and IPF GL Points — the two most widely used formulas for comparing strength regardless of body size.

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Wilks Score & IPF GL Points
Normalize your powerlifting total across body weight classes
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Your data

lb
lb
lb
lb
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Your result

Wilks points
Enter your lifts above
SBD totalsum of all three lifts
Total in kg
Total in lb
Body weight in kg
IPF GL Pointscurrent IPF formula (2019)
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How it's calculated

One polynomial, unlimited body weight comparisons

The Wilks Score normalizes a powerlifter's SBD total (squat + bench + deadlift) against body weight using a 6th-degree polynomial so athletes of any size can be ranked on the same scale. For example, a 90 kg male with a 600 kg total scores approximately 383 Wilks points (advanced level). The IPF GL Points formula (2019) uses an exponential model and is the current official coefficient at IPF-sanctioned events.

The original Wilks formula was created by Robert Wilks of Powerlifting Australia. It was updated in 2020 with new polynomial coefficients derived from a larger dataset of IPF world records, correcting a known bias that favoured heavier lifters. Despite the IPF adopting the GL Points formula in 2019, the updated Wilks remains widely used across national federations and online communities because of its familiarity and historical continuity.

Wilks = Total (kg) × 500 ÷ poly(BW)
poly = a + b·x + c·x² + d·x³ + e·x⁴ + f·x⁵

IPF GL = 100 × Total (kg) ÷ (AB·e−C·BW)
  1. 1
    Convert all weights to kg (if entering lb)
  2. 2
    Sum the three lifts: squat + bench + deadlift
  3. 3
    Evaluate the Wilks polynomial at your body weight
  4. 4
    Multiply total by 500 and divide by the polynomial
  5. 5
    Calculate IPF GL Points with the exponential formula

Understand the terms

Wilks coefficient
A bodyweight-adjusted score for comparing powerlifting performance across weight classes. Based on a 6th-degree polynomial derived from competition data. Updated in 2020 with revised coefficients.
IPF GL Points
The official formula adopted by the International Powerlifting Federation in 2019. Uses an exponential model (GL = Good Lift) instead of a polynomial. Currently the standard at all IPF-sanctioned competitions.
SBD total
The sum of the best successful attempts in Squat (S), Bench press (B) and Deadlift (D). The basis for both Wilks and IPF GL calculations in powerlifting.
Federation
Powerlifting governing body that sets rules and records. Major federations include the IPF (drug-tested), USPA, WRPF, and others. Different federations may use different coefficient formulas.
See the full glossary →
Disclaimer: estimation tool for informational and planning purposes, using the 2020 Wilks coefficients and 2019 IPF GL formula. Results depend on the accuracy of lifts entered and may differ from scores calculated by your federation's official software. Does not account for equipment categories (raw vs. equipped). Not a substitute for official meet results.
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Frequently asked questions — Wilks Score

What is a good Wilks score?
As a general benchmark: below 200 is beginner, 200–299 is intermediate, 300–399 is advanced, 400–499 is elite, and 500+ is world-class. Most recreational powerlifters land in the 200–350 range. Top IPF competitors regularly post 450–550+ Wilks points.
What is the difference between Wilks and IPF GL Points?
Both normalize a powerlifting total against body weight so athletes of different sizes can be compared. Wilks (updated 2020) uses a 6th-degree polynomial based on IPF record data. IPF GL (2019) uses an exponential model and is the current official formula at IPF-sanctioned events. IPF GL tends to favour lighter lifters slightly more than the 2020 Wilks.
How is Wilks score calculated?
Wilks = Total (kg) × 500 ÷ poly(bodyweight). The polynomial is: a + b·x + c·x² + d·x³ + e·x⁴ + f·x⁵, where x is bodyweight in kg and the coefficients differ for men and women. The 2020 revision updated those coefficients to better reflect modern strength sport data.
Is Wilks still used in powerlifting?
The IPF officially replaced Wilks with IPF GL Points starting in 2019. However, many national federations (USPA, WRPF, etc.) and online communities still use the 2020-updated Wilks because it is familiar and allows historical comparisons. Both scores are commonly reported side by side on lifting apps and trackers.
Can I compare Wilks scores across weight classes?
Yes — that is the core purpose of the Wilks coefficient. Because the polynomial denominator scales with body weight, a Wilks score of 350 represents roughly the same relative strength level whether the athlete weighs 59 kg or 120 kg. This is why Wilks (and IPF GL) are used to determine best-lifter awards at multi-class competitions.

📚 Learn more — official sources

About the Wilks Score Calculator

The Wilks coefficient was created by Robert Wilks of Powerlifting Australia to give powerlifters a single number that represents strength independent of body weight. The formula uses a 6th-degree polynomial whose coefficients were re-derived in 2020 using a larger dataset of IPF world records, correcting a known bias that the original 1997 formula had toward heavier athletes.

The IPF GL Points formula replaced Wilks as the official IPF metric in 2019. It uses an exponential model (A − B·e−C·BW) and is considered slightly more accurate for lighter weight classes. This calculator computes both simultaneously so you can compare your performance across both systems and track your progress over time.

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