What is a Wilks score?

A Wilks score is a bodyweight-adjusted strength metric used in powerlifting to compare lifters across different weight classes. It uses a 5th-degree polynomial formula.

Classic formula

Wilks Calculator

Q: What is a good Wilks score?

For men: beginner ~150, intermediate ~300, advanced ~400, elite 500+. For women: beginner ~120, intermediate ~250, advanced ~350, elite 450+. Based on powerlifting total.

Calculate your Wilks score for deadlift or powerlifting total. Understand your bodyweight-adjusted strength and compare against classification benchmarks.

Calculator

Enter your lifts and body weight.

Unit

Sex

Mode

Body weight (kg)

Deadlift (kg)

Enter your lifts

Provide body weight and deadlift (or full total), then press Calculate.

About

What is the Wilks score?

The Wilks formula, developed by Robert Wilks in 1994, uses a 5th-degree polynomial to adjust a lifter's total relative to body weight. It was the standard comparison metric in powerlifting for over two decades. While newer formulas like DOTS and IPF GL have gained adoption, the Wilks score remains recognized worldwide and is still used by several federations.

Benchmarks

What is a good Wilks score?

Level	Men (Total)	Women (Total)
Beginner	~150	~120
Intermediate	~300	~250
Advanced	~400	~350
Elite	500+	450+

These are approximate benchmarks based on powerlifting total. Deadlift-only Wilks scores will be proportionally lower.

Looking for all scoring systems? Try our Powerlifting Score Calculator with DOTS, Wilks-2, and IPF GL.