Calculate your Wilks score from bodyweight and powerlifting total in kg or lb with the original or 2020 formula, or find the total for a target score.
Wilks Score Formula
- W is the total weight lifted in kilograms, usually your best squat, bench press, and deadlift added together
- x is your bodyweight in kilograms
- a, b, c, d, e, and f are fixed coefficients that differ for men and women
The fraction 500 / (a + b*x + ... + f*x5) is called the Wilks coefficient. It applies a bodyweight adjustment for comparisons within the selected scoring system. Multiplying your total by the coefficient converts it into a bodyweight-adjusted score that can be compared across weight classes and between men and women.
For men, the original coefficients are a = -216.0475144, b = 16.2606339, c = -0.002388645, d = -0.00113732, e = 7.01863E-06, and f = -1.291E-08. For women, they are a = 594.31747775582, b = -27.23842536447, c = 0.82112226871, d = -0.00930733913, e = 4.731582E-05, and f = -9.054E-08.
In March 2020, Powerlifting Australia released a rebalanced version of the formula, often called Wilks-2 or the 2020 Wilks. It uses new coefficient sets for men and women and a 600 multiplier instead of 500:
The calculator supports both versions and shows the other version when bodyweight is inside its separately supported range. It rejects outside declared coefficient bounds rather than silently changing weight: original men40–201.9 kg,women26.51–154.53 kg;2020 men40–200.95 kg,women40–150.95 kg. These follow OpenPowerlifting’s protective implementation limits, not a claim of empirical validity for every lifter. The 2020 calculation uses the full published coefficient precision. In score mode, it multiplies your total by the coefficient for your sex and bodyweight. You can enter one combined total or separate squat, bench, and deadlift numbers, and pound inputs are converted to kilograms (multiplied by exactly 0.45359237) before the polynomial is applied. In target mode, the calculation runs in reverse to tell you the total you need for a chosen score:
Required Total = Target Score / Wilks Coefficient
Illustrative Wilks Bands and Required Totals
The numeric bands below are retained as illustrations on the original 500-based scale. They do not establish ability levels, national or international qualification, or standards for either coefficient category. The ratio between 2020 and original scores varies with bodyweight and category; compare the same formula and event.
| Illustrative band | Men (original Wilks) | Women (original Wilks) |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 (illustration) | Under 300 | Under 200 |
| Band 2 (illustration) | 300 to 350 | 200 to 250 |
| Band 3 (illustration) | 350 to 400 | 250 to 300 |
| Band 4 (illustration) | 400 to 450 | 300 to 350 |
| Band 5 (illustration) | 450 and up | 350 and up |
The next table turns the formula around and shows the total you would need to lift at different bodyweights to reach three common Wilks milestones, using the original formula. It is a quick way to set a training target without running the calculator repeatedly.
| Sex | Bodyweight | Total for Wilks 300 | Total for Wilks 400 | Total for Wilks 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 60 kg | 351.8 kg | 469.0 kg | 586.3 kg |
| Male | 75 kg | 421.0 kg | 561.4 kg | 701.7 kg |
| Male | 90 kg | 469.9 kg | 626.6 kg | 783.2 kg |
| Male | 105 kg | 502.0 kg | 669.4 kg | 836.7 kg |
| Male | 120 kg | 521.8 kg | 695.7 kg | 869.7 kg |
| Female | 50 kg | 233.5 kg | 311.4 kg | 389.2 kg |
| Female | 60 kg | 269.1 kg | 358.8 kg | 448.5 kg |
| Female | 75 kg | 315.6 kg | 420.8 kg | 526.0 kg |
| Female | 90 kg | 347.2 kg | 462.9 kg | 578.7 kg |
Example Problems
Example 1: A male lifter weighs 100 kg and totals 600 kg (for instance a 220 kg squat, 150 kg bench, and 230 kg deadlift). Evaluating the original men's polynomial at x = 100 gives a denominator of about 821.57, so the coefficient is 500 / 821.57 = 0.6086. Using the unrounded coefficient gives an original Wilks score of 365.15. The rounded coefficient 0.6086 is shown only for explanation. Under the 2020 formula the same lifts score 437.62, which shows why the two versions should never be compared directly.
Example 2: A female lifter weighs 60 kg and wants to know what total she needs for a 400 Wilks. Her original-formula coefficient at 60 kg bodyweight is 1.1149. Rearranging the formula, Required Total = 400 / 1.1149 = 358.8 kg. If her current total is 300 kg, her score today is 300 * 1.1149 = 334.47, so she needs about 59 more kilograms across her three lifts to reach the target.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Wilks score?
A score is meaningful against a comparable field using the same formula, equipment and event rules. This tool does not classify lifters or establish meet qualification. The preserved numeric bands above are illustrations, not official standards or recommendations.
Why are my original and 2020 Wilks scores so different?
The 2020 update changed both the coefficients and the multiplier, moving from 500 to 600, so the relationship between versions depends on bodyweight and coefficient category. The coefficient sets differ, so the two scales are not interchangeable. Always check which version a leaderboard or meet uses before comparing numbers. Events may use other systems, including DOTS or IPF GL points; check the applicable rules.
Can I enter my lifts in pounds?
Yes. The formula itself is defined in kilograms, so the calculator multiplies pound inputs by exactly 0.45359237 to convert bodyweight and total to kilograms before applying the polynomial. The resulting score is the same either way because the Wilks score is a normalized number, not a weight. Results are shown with both kilogram and pound equivalents of your total.
