Wilks / DOTS / IPF GL Calculator

Compare your powerlifting total against lifters in other weight classes. These formulas adjust your total for bodyweight so relative strength can be compared.

Sex Bodyweight lb Total (optional if using S/B/D) lb

You can enter a meet total directly, or enter squat/bench/deadlift and we’ll sum them.

Squat Bench Deadlift

Scores

System	Score

These scores adjust your total for bodyweight so lifters in different weight classes can be compared.

Understanding Relative Strength Scores

Raw powerlifting totals can't be directly compared across weight classes — a 600 lb total means something very different for a 132 lb lifter than for a 275 lb lifter. Relative strength scores apply a bodyweight correction coefficient to produce a single number that attempts to level the playing field.

Wilks (Wilks-2, 2020 revision) is the most widely used score across non-IPF federations. It uses a 6th-degree polynomial coefficient based on bodyweight, calibrated to large competition datasets. Commonly used in USAPL, RPS, and many other federations for best-lifter awards at meets.
DOTS (Dynamic Optimal Total Score, 2020) is a newer alternative adopted by a growing number of federations and meet directors. It was specifically designed to produce more equitable comparisons at the lighter and heavier ends of the weight spectrum, where Wilks has historically over- or under-compensated.
IPF GL (GoodLift) points are used exclusively in IPF-sanctioned competitions. The coefficients are periodically recalculated by the IPF and differ from both Wilks and DOTS. IPF GL scores are not directly comparable across non-IPF meets.

What scores are "good"?

As a rough benchmark for raw powerlifting (Wilks or DOTS): below 200 is beginner-to-intermediate territory. Scores of 300–350 represent a strong recreational lifter. Competitive-level athletes often score 350–400+, and the world's best approach 500+. These benchmarks shift with equipment — geared lifting produces higher totals and thus higher scores for equivalent absolute strength levels.

How to use your score

The most practical use of these scores is tracking your own progress over time. As your strength increases relative to bodyweight — whether through getting stronger, losing weight, or both — your score should trend upward. Comparing across weight classes is a secondary use, most relevant for meet directors awarding best-lifter titles. For day-to-day programming, tracking your total and individual lift PRs is usually more actionable.

For a deeper dive into how each scoring system works, score benchmarks from beginner to elite, and which score to use for your federation, read Wilks, DOTS, and IPF GL Explained.