Wilks Score Calculator
Evaluates the strength of a powerlifter in Wilks points to facilitate comparison between athletes based on body and lifted weight.
Refer to the text below the calculator for more information about the formulas used to determine the Wilks points by the original and updated 2020 version.
The Wilks Points based on the formula designed by Robert Wilks, CEO of Powerlifting Australia have long been the benchmark for determining relative powerlifting performance. Until 2018 have been used as comparison tool by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).
In 2020, the formula has been updated, with new coefficients for both female and male powerlifters.
Wilks Coefficient (Original) = 500 / (a + bx² +cx³ +dx⁴ +ex⁵ +fx⁶)
Where x is body weight in kilograms and:
| Values | Male | Female |
| a | -216.0475144 | 594.31747775582 |
| b | 16.2606339 | -27.23842536447 |
| c | -0.002388645 | 0.82112226871 |
| d | -0.00113732 | -0.00930733913 |
| e | 7.01863E-06 | 4.731582E-05 |
| f | -1.291E-08 | -9.054E-08 |
2020 Wilks coefficients are based on gender specific tabled data, for Females between 40 kg and 150kg body weight and for Males between 40 kg and 200 kg body weight.
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Steps on how to print your input & results:
1. Fill in the calculator/tool with your values and/or your answer choices and press Calculate.
2. Then you can click on the Print button to open a PDF in a separate window with the inputs and results. You can further save the PDF or print it.
Please note that once you have closed the PDF you need to click on the Calculate button before you try opening it again, otherwise the input and/or results may not appear in the pdf.
Wilks Points for Powerlifting
The Wilks Points based on the formula designed by Robert Wilks, CEO of Powerlifting Australia have long been the benchmark for determining relative powerlifting performance. The formula was validated based on data from female and male world record holders (IPF 1996 and 1997 World Championships). Until 2018 these points have been used as comparison tool by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).
Original Wilks Coefficient = 500 / (a + bx² +cx³ +dx⁴ +ex⁵ +fx⁶)
Where x is body weight in kilograms and:
| Values | Male | Female |
| a | -216.0475144 | 594.31747775582 |
| b | 16.2606339 | -27.23842536447 |
| c | -0.002388645 | 0.82112226871 |
| d | -0.00113732 | -0.00930733913 |
| e | 7.01863E-06 | 4.731582E-05 |
| f | -1.291E-08 | -9.054E-08 |
The Wilks points have been praised for allowing comparison between weightlifters, between different genders and across different weight categories. The method showed no bias for male or female bench press but showed favorable bias toward female intermediate weight class lifters in the women’s squat, as well as linear unfavorable bias toward heavier men and women in the deadlift.
In 2020, the formula has been updated, with new coefficients for both female and male powerlifters.
2020 Wilks coefficients (to be multiplied by body weight) are based on gender specific tabled data, for Females between 40 kg and 150kg body weight and for Males between 40 kg and 200 kg body weight.
By both methods, the Wilks Score in points is the product of the Wilks coefficient and the total weight lifted in kilograms.
The Wilks Coefficient emphases absolute strength, rather than ranking weightlifters solely based on the relative strength of the lifter compared to body-weight.
References
Validation
Vanderburgh PM, Batterham AM. (1999) Validation of the Wilks Powerlifting Formula. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise; 31(12):1869-1875.
Other references
Cleather DJ. Adjusting powerlifting performances for differences in body mass. J Strength Cond Res. 2006; 20(2):412-21.
Specialty: Fitness
Year Of Study: 1999 / 2020
Article By: Denise Nedea
Published On: July 1, 2020 · 12:00 AM
Last Checked: July 1, 2020
Next Review: July 1, 2025