Wilks 2020 (Wilks-2)
Score = Total × 600 ÷ P(BW)Published with revised men’s and women’s coefficients. This calculator uses those coefficients exactly as listed in the 2020 IPF formula-evaluation report.
Powerlifting relative-strength tool
Wilks Score Calculator
Compare powerlifting totals across different bodyweights with Wilks 2020 (Wilks-2) or the original Wilks formula. Enter body weight, three-lift total and the formula’s men’s or women’s coefficient category.
Wilks-2 defaultkg & lbClient-side private
Powerlifting calculation
Calculate your Wilks points
Use your meet-style total—the sum of your best squat, bench press and deadlift. Pounds are converted to kilograms before the polynomial is evaluated.
Calculation method
How Wilks 2020 and original Wilks are calculated
Both formulas multiply the lifted total by a bodyweight coefficient derived from a fifth-degree polynomial. The newer Wilks-2 revision changes both the polynomial coefficients and the numerator.
Original Wilks
Score = Total × 500 ÷ P(BW)The historical Wilks equation uses its own sex-specific polynomial coefficients and a 500-point numerator.
| Term | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| BW⁵ (A) | −1.20804336482315×10⁻⁸ | −2.3334613884954×10⁻⁸ |
| BW⁴ (B) | 7.07665973070743×10⁻⁶ | 9.38773881462799×10⁻⁶ |
| BW³ (C) | −0.00139583381094385 | −0.0010504000506583 |
| BW² (D) | 0.073694103462609 | −0.0330725063103405 |
| BW (E) | 8.47206137941125 | 13.7121941940668 |
| Constant (F) | 47.4617885411949 | −125.425539779509 |
What the score means
Wilks points normalize a lifting result for bodyweight
A higher Wilks score means a larger powerlifting result after the formula adjusts for bodyweight. The score is useful for comparing performances across weight classes or tracking relative-strength changes at different bodyweights.
Compare like with like
Use the same Wilks version when comparing lifters or comparing your own results over time. Wilks 2020 and original Wilks are different scales.
Use a real total
For three-lift powerlifting, total means the sum of the best successful squat, bench press and deadlift. A gym estimate can still be informative, but it is not an official meet total.
Know the federation rule
Wilks is not the universal current federation standard. The IPF replaced Wilks and currently uses IPF GL points, while World Powerlifting publishes Wilks 2020 scoring.
Worked example
80 kg male-category lifter with a 500 kg total
With Wilks 2020, bodyweight is inserted into the men’s fifth-degree polynomial. The resulting denominator is used to create the coefficient, then the coefficient multiplies the 500 kg total.
Bodyweight80.0 kg
Total500.0 kg
Wilks-2 coefficient0.81914
Wilks 2020 score409.57
Tool guide
Understand and use the Wilks Score Calculator
Use these tool-specific notes to understand the method, enter better data, interpret the output, and apply the result appropriately.
Wilks Purpose
Wilks scales a lifting total by bodyweight using sex-specific polynomial coefficients so performances from different bodyweights can be compared within the same scoring system.
Choose the Version
Original Wilks and Wilks-2/Wilks 2020 use different coefficients and numerators. Keep comparisons within the same version rather than mixing scores.
Enter Meet Data
Use bodyweight and the relevant successful lifting result, normally a three-lift total for powerlifting comparisons. Pound entries are converted to kilograms before the polynomial is evaluated.
Governance Context
Wilks remains useful historically and in some organizations, but it is not the current IPF scoring formula. Use IPF GL when the comparison specifically requires current IPF scoring.
Frequently asked questions
Wilks Score Calculator FAQs
Practical answers about this tool's inputs, method, results, limitations, and common real-world use.
What is the Wilks score?
Wilks points scale a lifting result by bodyweight using a sex-specific polynomial coefficient. The purpose is to compare relative powerlifting performance across different bodyweights.
What is Wilks 2020 or Wilks-2?
Wilks-2 is the 2020 revision. It uses new men’s and women’s fifth-degree polynomial coefficients and a numerator of 600, rather than the original Wilks numerator of 500.
Does the IPF still use Wilks?
No. The International Powerlifting Federation replaced Wilks and has used IPF GL points for sanctioned events since May 2020. This page is specifically a Wilks calculator.
Should I enter my total in kilograms or pounds?
Either. The formula itself uses kilograms, so pound entries are converted to kilograms internally before the score is calculated.
What total should I enter?
For powerlifting, use squat + bench press + deadlift. Competition totals should use the best successful attempt for each lift from the same meet.
Can I compare Wilks 2020 with original Wilks directly?
Not as if they were the same ruler. The two versions have different coefficients and different numerators. Compare scores within the same version.
How precise should bodyweight be for a Wilks score?
Use the official or reliably measured bodyweight associated with the lifting result when available. Small bodyweight changes can alter the coefficient, especially when comparing close scores.
Does entering pounds change the Wilks formula?
No. The calculator converts pounds to kilograms internally because the coefficient system is defined using kilogram bodyweight and kilogram lifting totals.
Why does the calculator avoid extrapolating some Wilks comparisons?
Polynomial scoring systems are safest within the ranges for which the published comparison tables or implementation are intended. Extrapolating far outside that context can create misleading coefficients.
What should I use if a competition specifies another scoring formula?
Use the formula named in that competition’s rules. Wilks, Wilks-2, DOTS, IPF GL, and other systems are different rulers and their point values should not be substituted for one another.
Method & references
Formula sources used for this calculator
The calculations are based on the published Wilks and Wilks-2 equations, with current federation context clearly separated from the math.
- International Powerlifting Federation formula-evaluation report (2020), Appendix 1: Wilks and Wilks-2 formulas and coefficients.
- World Powerlifting: Wilks Formula 2020 scoring and coefficient tables.
- International Powerlifting Federation: IPF GL points replaced the previous IPF formula and are used at IPF-sanctioned events.
Content reviewed: .
Scoring-context disclaimer
This calculator reproduces Wilks mathematical scoring for educational and training comparison. It does not determine official meet placings. Competition organizations can use different formulas, rounding rules, eligibility categories or software, so confirm the rules for the federation and event you are entering.