Wilks Calculator
Calculate your Wilks score to compare strength relative to body weight across different weight classes. The official formula used in powerlifting competitions worldwide.
Calculate Wilks ScoreCalculate Your Wilks Score
Enter your body weight and total lift to get your official Wilks score.
Strength Assessment
Why Wilks Score Matters
⚖️ Fair Comparison Across Weight Classes
The Wilks formula allows athletes of different body weights to compare strength levels fairly. It accounts for the fact that lighter athletes typically lift less absolute weight but may be relatively stronger.
🏆 Competition Standard
The Wilks formula is the official scoring system used by most powerlifting federations worldwide. It's essential for competitive powerlifters who want to rank against other athletes in their weight class and overall.
📈 Progress Tracking
Track your relative strength gains over time, accounting for body weight changes. This is especially valuable during weight loss or bulking phases when absolute strength might not tell the full story.
🎯 Goal Setting
Set meaningful strength goals based on relative strength rather than absolute numbers. A Wilks score of 400+ is considered excellent for men, while 300+ is excellent for women.
Wilks Score Standards
👨 Male Standards
👩 Female Standards
🏅 World Record Levels
The highest Wilks scores ever recorded in official competition:
- Men: 600+ (World-class powerlifters)
- Women: 500+ (Elite international competitors)
- Note: These levels represent the absolute pinnacle of strength sports
📊 Competitive Categories
Most powerlifting meets use Wilks scores for:
- Best Lifter: Highest overall Wilks score
- Drug-tested vs Open: Separate categories
- Age divisions: Masters, juniors, open
- Equipment: Raw vs equipped divisions
How the Wilks Formula Works
🧮 The Formula
The Wilks formula uses a complex polynomial equation to calculate a coefficient based on body weight, then multiplies this by the total weight lifted:
Wilks Score = Total Weight × Wilks Coefficient
The coefficient accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and strength potential.
📐 Gender Differences
The formula uses different coefficients for men and women due to physiological differences in strength potential relative to body weight:
- Male coefficients: Optimized for male physiology
- Female coefficients: Account for female strength patterns
- Result: Fair comparison across genders
⚖️ Weight Class Considerations
The formula accounts for the fact that:
- Lighter lifters are often relatively stronger
- Heavier lifters have more absolute strength potential
- There's an optimal body weight for maximum Wilks score
- Very heavy body weights may decrease relative strength
🎯 Practical Applications
Use your Wilks score to:
- Compare strength across different body weights
- Track progress during weight changes
- Set realistic strength goals
- Prepare for powerlifting competitions
Frequently Asked Questions
A "good" Wilks score depends on your training level and goals:
For men:
- 300+: Good for recreational lifters
- 350+: Very good - experienced lifter
- 400+: Excellent - competitive level
- 450+: Elite - national competitor
- 500+: World-class level
For women:
- 250+: Good for recreational lifters
- 300+: Very good - experienced lifter
- 350+: Excellent - competitive level
- 400+: Elite - national competitor
- 450+: World-class level
Both approaches are valid and serve different purposes:
Powerlifting Total (Recommended):
- Use squat + bench + deadlift 1RM
- Standard for powerlifting competitions
- Best for overall strength assessment
- Most accurate Wilks comparison
Individual Lifts:
- Use single lift 1RM (squat, bench, or deadlift)
- Good for tracking specific exercise progress
- Useful when focusing on one lift
- Lower scores than total (obviously)
The Wilks formula creates a bell curve where:
- Very light lifters: Get higher coefficients but limited absolute strength
- Middle weight lifters: Often achieve the highest Wilks scores
- Heavy lifters: Have more absolute strength but lower coefficients
- Very heavy lifters: May see decreased Wilks scores due to body weight penalty
The optimal body weight for maximum Wilks score is typically in the middle weight classes (around 180-220 lbs for men, 130-165 lbs for women).
The Wilks formula is generally accurate but has some limitations:
Works well for:
- Powerlifters and strength athletes
- People with balanced strength across lifts
- Those with normal body compositions
- Competitive powerlifting contexts
Less accurate for:
- Very tall or short individuals
- People with extreme body compositions
- Specialized athletes (e.g., only bench pressers)
- Beginners with unbalanced strength
Calculate your Wilks score when:
- Testing 1RM: Every 8-12 weeks for experienced lifters
- Before competitions: To set realistic goals
- During weight changes: To track relative strength
- Program transitions: To assess progress
Remember that Wilks scores fluctuate with both strength gains and body weight changes. Focus on long-term trends rather than daily variations.
Related Strength Tools
🎯 One Rep Max Calculator
Calculate your 1RM using scientifically-backed formulas. Essential for accurate Wilks score calculations.
Calculate 1RM →💪 Powerlifting Total
Calculate your powerlifting total from individual lift 1RMs. Perfect for competition preparation.
Calculate Total →📊 Strength Levels
Determine your strength level based on your lifts and body weight. Complements Wilks scoring nicely.
Assess Level →