Understanding Wilks Score & Equivalent Totals

The Wilks score compares powerlifting strength across different body weights and sexes. A higher score indicates greater pound-for-pound strength. This calculator uses the original Wilks formula.

Important Note: Wilks is often replaced by newer formulas like IPF GL Points or DOTS in many federations.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select Units: Choose kg or lbs (applies to body weight and total).
2. Sex: Select Male or Female.
3. Body Weight: Enter your current body weight.
4. Total Weight Lifted: Enter the sum of your best Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift.
5. Click "Calculate Score & Equivalents".

Interpreting Your Results

• Wilks Score: Your calculated score based on your current body weight and total.
• Equivalent Totals Table: This table shows what total lift (sum of squat, bench, deadlift) you would theoretically need to achieve at different body weights (around your current weight) to get the *exact same Wilks score* you achieved at your current weight. It helps illustrate how relative strength changes with body mass according to the Wilks formula.

The Wilks Formula & Calculation

1. First, your Wilks score is calculated: Score = Coefficient * Total Lifted

2. The Coefficient depends on your body weight (bw in kg) and sex:

Coefficient = 500 / (a + b*bw + c*bw^2 + d*bw^3 + e*bw^4 + f*bw^5)

(Coefficients 'a' through 'f' differ for males and females).

3. Then, for each target body weight in the table, a new coefficient (New_Coefficient) is calculated using that target body weight.

4. Finally, the required total for that target body weight is found by rearranging the formula:
Required Total = Your Wilks Score / New_Coefficient

Limitations

• Wilks is less accurate than newer formulas at weight class extremes.
• The "Equivalent Totals" are theoretical based on the formula and don't guarantee you could achieve that total at that bodyweight.
• Doesn't account for age.