1. What is the Wilks Formula?

The Wilks formula (or Wilks coefficient) is used in powerlifting to compare the relative strength of lifters across different weight classes. It converts pounds to grams and applies a coefficient to normalize scores.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Wilks formula:

Where:

• \( total\_lbs \) — Total weight lifted in pounds
• \( 453.592 \) — Conversion factor from pounds to grams
• \( coeff\_g \) — Wilks coefficient (gender and weight specific)

Explanation: The formula converts pounds to grams then multiplies by a coefficient that accounts for body weight differences.

3. Importance of Wilks Score

Details: The Wilks score allows fair comparison of strength between athletes of different sizes, making it essential for powerlifting competitions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total weight lifted in pounds and the appropriate Wilks coefficient. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where do I find my Wilks coefficient?
A: Wilks coefficients are gender and body weight specific. You can find tables online or use a Wilks coefficient calculator.

Q2: Why convert pounds to grams?
A: The original Wilks formula was developed using metric measurements. The conversion ensures consistency with the standard formula.

Q3: What's a good Wilks score?
A: Scores vary by gender and experience level. Generally, 300+ is excellent for men, 200+ for women in powerlifting.

Q4: Are there newer formulas than Wilks?
A: Yes, some federations now use the IPF points system (formerly IPF points), but Wilks remains widely used.

Q5: Can I use this for other weight units?
A: This calculator specifically converts pounds to grams. For kg inputs, you would use a different version of the formula.