How the Wilks Score Works: Formula, Coefficients, and Strength Comparison
Understand how the Wilks score allows fair comparison of powerlifters across weight classes. Covers the Wilks formula, coefficients, and how it compares to IPF GL Points.
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What Is the Wilks Score?
The Wilks score is a formula used in powerlifting to compare lifters across different bodyweight classes. It adjusts raw totals based on body weight, theoretically allowing you to compare the relative strength of a 59 kg lifter against a 120 kg lifter.
Formula: Wilks Score = Total (kg) × Wilks Coefficient
The Wilks coefficient depends on the lifter's bodyweight and is calculated from a 5th-degree polynomial.
The Wilks Coefficient Formula
For men: Coefficient = 500 / (a + b×W + c×W² + d×W³ + e×W⁴ + f×W⁵)
Where W = body weight in kg, and constants (Wilks 1998): - a = -216.0475144 - b = 16.2606339 - c = -0.002388645 - d = -0.00113732 - e = 7.01863E-06 - f = -1.291E-08
For women: Similar polynomial with different constants.
In practice, use a Wilks table or calculator — the formula is rarely computed by hand.
Reference: Men's Wilks Coefficients
Example: A 74 kg lifter with a 550 kg total: Wilks = 550 × 0.912 = 501.6 Wilks points
A 93 kg lifter would need 501.6 / 0.803 = 624.7 kg total to equal the same Wilks score.
Interpreting Wilks Scores
Wilks vs. IPF GL Points (Goodlift)
Since 2020, the International Powerlifting Federation replaced Wilks with IPF GL Points (also called Goodlift Points). IPF GL Points use a different formula that accounts for more recent athlete data and is more precise at extreme body weights.
Why the switch: Wilks was found to favor lighter lifters, particularly at very low and very high body weights. IPF GL Points recalibrated using current world-record data across all weight classes.
For IPF-sanctioned competitions, use GL Points. For historical comparison or non-IPF federations, Wilks remains widely used.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a good Wilks score in powerlifting?
- 400+ Wilks indicates an advanced lifter who competes successfully at regional level. 500+ is elite, achieved by national-level competitors. 600+ is world-class — only a small fraction of competitive powerlifters reach this level. 300–400 is a solid intermediate range for regular competitors.
- Why was Wilks replaced by IPF GL Points?
- The Wilks formula was developed in 1998 and showed slight systematic bias toward lighter weight classes — lighter lifters scored higher relative to their strength than heavier lifters. IPF GL Points (2020) were recalculated using updated world record data across all weight classes, producing a more accurate cross-weight-class comparison.
- How is the Wilks coefficient calculated?
- The Wilks coefficient uses a 5th-degree polynomial based on body weight in kg. The formula is complex — use the Wilks coefficient table or calculator rather than computing by hand. Coefficient × Total (kg) = Wilks Points. Higher coefficient means lighter lifters need fewer kg to score the same points.
- Does Wilks work for both raw and equipped powerlifting?
- Yes — Wilks works for any total comparison, raw or equipped. However, it's most meaningful when comparing within the same category (raw vs. raw, or equipped vs. equipped). Comparing raw Wilks to equipped Wilks is not meaningful since gear adds significantly to totals.
Last updated 7/28/2026