You can use this powerlifting calculator to calculate DOTS score, Wilks score, and IPF GL points. These scores are used at powerlifting meets to determine the best lifter. The exact score used depends on the powerlifting federation hosting the meet.
How to use the powerlifting calculator:
- Enter the weight lifted and your bodyweight
- Choose lb or kg
- Select gender
- Select the meet type
- Press “Calculate”
Your scores will be generated for you in the results box.
Powerlifting Calculator
Results
Wilks-2 Score:
Wilks Original Score:
IPF Points:
IPF GL Points:
DOTS Score:
The formulas were derived from this 2020 study, which evaluated the efficacy of the different powerlifting scoring models.
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Powerlifting Scoring Models
A number of scoring coefficients have been used in powerlifting to help identify the overall best lifter. The goal of these coefficients is to allow two lifters to be fairly compared, even if they differ by body weight, age, and gender.
Each have their own advantages and drawbacks, usually related to the weight class of the lifter (e.g. favoring heavy or light lifters). You can review a highly technical analysis of the different scoring models in terms of which gender and weight class each model “favors.”
For a more complete account of the history of these coefficients, please see this review by Physical Culture Study.
Below are the definitions of the scores provided by this calculator.
DOTS Score
Introduced: 2019
Still in use: Yes (USAPL, USPA)
DOTS (Dynamic Object Team Rating System) is a relatively new method for comparing powerlifting performance across gender and weight class. In the IPF’s 2020 evaluation of scoring models, DOTS ranked 2nd to the IPF GL formula in terms of overall scoring efficacy.
Outside of the IPF, DOTS appears to be gaining popularity amongst powerlifting federations.
The DOTS score is used by the USAPL and USPA in assessing the “best lifter” award for non-master lifters. For master lifters, the McCulloch coefficients are applied.
IPF GL Points
Introduced: 2020
Still in use: Yes (IPF)
IPF GL points are used by the IPF and IPF affiliates (including Powerlifting America) when ranking the best lifter of a competition. It officially replaced IPF Points in May 2020 as a more fair and balanced way to accurately assess powerlifting performance.
It ranked first in the IPF’s 2020 evaluation of scoring methods for accuracy and efficacy.
Wilks Points
Introduced: 1995
Still in use: unclear
The Wilks Coefficient, often referred to as the Wilks Score, was introduced in 1995. It was developed by Robert Wilks, CEO of Powerlifting Australia, as a method to compare the strength of powerlifters across different body weights. The Wilks Score quickly gained popularity and was adopted by many powerlifting federations worldwide as a standard measure of relative strength.
The popularity of the Wilks scoring system began to wane in 2019 when the IPF switched over to using the original IPF Points coefficient and then, a year later, the updated IPF GL Points coefficient.
Wilks 2 Points
Introduced: 2020
Still in use: Yes (Powerlifting Australia)
In 2020, Robert Wilks updated his original Wilks coefficient. This is often referred to as the “Wilks 2” or “Wilks 2020” coefficient.
This updated Wilks formula was not adopted by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), which had already switched to using the IPF Points system in 2019, also developed by Robert Wilks.
The Wilks 2 formula aims to address some of the criticisms of the original Wilks formula, particularly the perceived bias towards extremely light and heavy lifters. It uses a different set of coefficients to calculate a lifter’s score.
Wilks 2 ranked third in the IPF’s 2020 evaluation of scoring methods for accuracy and efficacy.
The most prominent usage of the Wilks 2 formula occurs within Powerlifting Australia.
IPF Points
Introduced: 2019
Still in use: No
IPF Points replaced Wilks Score in 2019 when determining the best lifter within IPF competitions. It placed last in a 2020 evaluation of scoring methods and replaced shortly thereafter by IPF GL.
