If you’re into powerlifting, understanding your performance relative to your body weight is crucial. There comes the Wilks score, a powerful metric that levels the playing field, allowing fair competition. You can calculate your Wilks with the help of our Wilks calculator, ensuring a precise evaluation of your powerlifting total.
Our Wilks calculator accurately computes your Wilks score in both the updated and original versions.
What’s My Wilks Score?
What is Wilks Score?
Wilks score is an indicator used in the world of weightlifting to give you a fair measure of how strong you are, considering not just the weight you lift but also how much you weigh. It’s like a fairness adjustment, ensuring that athletes of different body sizes can be compared on an equal footing.
The Wilks coefficient was devised by Robert Wilks, CEO of Powerlifting Australia, to level the playing field and make it fair for everyone when comparing strength across different weight classes and genders.[1]
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Wilks Formula
Wilks formula works for all weightlifters, men and women alike. The only thing that changes between them is the coefficients used in the equation.
The Wilks formula employs coefficients to standardize lifters’ performances across various body weights. It factors in individualized values, such as a lifter’s weight, and gender ensuring a fair comparison of strength levels in different weight classes.[2]
There are two versions of the Wilks formula: the old one and the updated 2020 version.
In 2020, the formula got better at ensuring fairness between men and women in powerlifting evaluations. So, if you’re a lighter lifter, the formula gives you a chance to compete with the heavier folks on a level playing field.
Wilks Formula – Updated Version (2020)
The 2020 update aimed to make the formula more fair by addressing issues related to the balance between genders and different bodyweight classes in powerlifting.
The updated Wilks Coefficient is calculated using the formula:
Wilks Coefficient =600/(a+bx+cx2+dx3+ex4+fx5)
Where:
- x is the body weight of the lifter, and
- a,b,c,d,e, and f represent coefficients.
|
|
Men |
Women |
|
a |
47.46178854 |
-125.4255398 |
|
b |
8.472061379 |
13.71219419 |
|
c |
0.07369410346 |
-0.03307250631 |
|
d |
-0.001395833811 |
-0.001050400051 |
|
e |
7.07665973070743 x 10−6 |
9.38773881462799 × 10−6 |
|
f |
-1.20804336482315 x 10−8 |
-2.3334613884954 × 10−8 |
Wilks Formula – Original Version
The original Wilks formula, predating the 2020 update, laid the foundation for assessing strength in powerlifting but faced criticisms regarding the balance between genders and bodyweight classes.
The original Wilks formula is as follows;
Wilks Coefficient= 500/(a+bx+cx2+dx3+ex4+fx5)
Where:
- x is the body weight of the lifter, and
- a,b,c,d,e, and f represent coefficients.
|
|
Men |
Women |
|
a |
−216.0475144 |
594.31747775582 |
|
b |
16.2606339 |
−27.23842536447 |
|
c |
−0.002388645 |
0.82112226871 |
|
d |
−0.00113732 |
−0.00930733913 |
|
e |
7.01863×10-6 |
4.731582×10-5 |
|
f |
−1.291×10-8 |
−9.054×10-8 |
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How does Wilks Score Works?
Wilks score is handy because it lets you know how strong you are compared to others, even if they are bigger or smaller. A higher Wilks score means you’re doing awesome, considering your size.
So, let’s say you and a friend both lift heavy weights. But your friend is much heavier than you and the powerlifting total of your friend is higher than yours. The Wilks score uses a smart formula to make it fair. The Wilks calculator carefully assesses the lifted weight in consideration of the lifter’s body weight, subsequently deriving a specialized score through a meticulous calculation process.
For example:
Imagine you lift 250 pounds, and your friend lifts 270 pounds. Now, at first glance, it seems like your friend might have the upper hand in strength, doesn’t it? Hold on, though! If you happen to weigh a modest 150 pounds, and your buddy is at 250 pounds, that’s where the Wilks score steps in.
Surprisingly, your Wilks score will come out higher than your friend’s. It’s like the score saying, “Hey, considering your size, you pulled off something impressive!” This nifty tool levels the playing field, making sure everyone gets a fair shot in the competition.[3]
What’s a Good Wilks Score?
A good Wilks score depends on your individual goals and the standards within your lifting community. However, the following comparative list provides a general overview of Wilks points levels:
- 250 Points: Beginner – Shows dedication to training.
- 300 Points: Intermediate – Achievable in 1-2 years of focused training.
- 350 Points: Local Star – Could win medals at smaller competitions.
- 400 Points: National Competitor – Competitive nationally in most countries.
- 450 Points: Global Competitor – Qualifies for international championships.
- 500 Points: Exceptional Athlete – Likely in the top 10 globally for the weight class.
- 550 Points: Outstanding Achiever – Attained by fewer than 100 lifters worldwide.
- 600 Points: Elite Performer – Few achieve this, considered one of the best, especially in tested competitions.
Note: These levels give a simple idea of how well a lifter is doing based on their Wilks score.
Wrapping-up
In the world of powerlifting and weightlifting, the Wilks score serves as a valuable tool to fairly compare strength across diverse weight classes and genders. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just starting, calculating and tracking your Wilks score can provide insights into your progress and performance.
Use our Wilks score calculator to determine your lifting performance relative to body weight in powerlifting competitions. Make it a habit to calculate your Wilks score regularly and this will help you stay committed to reaching and going beyond your lifting goals.
References
- Guk, V., & Stetsenko, A. (2017). Method of mathematical processing of results in powerlifting for determining the greatest athletes in the overall score. Visnyk Cherkaskoho universytetu. Seriia Prykladna matematyka. Informatyka, (№ 1-2), 3-15.
- Coker, N. A., Varanoske, A. N., Baker, K. M., Hahs-Vaughn, D. L., & Wells, A. J. (2018). Predictors of competitive success of national-level powerlifters: a multilevel analysis. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 18(5), 796-805. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1519751
- Vanderburgh, P. M., & Batterham, A. M. (1999). Validation of the Wilks powerlifting formula. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(12), 1869-1875. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199912000-00027