1. What is the Wilks Score?

The Wilks Score is a coefficient used in powerlifting to compare the strength of lifters across different body weights. It allows for fair comparison between athletes by normalizing their totals based on body weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Wilks formula:

Where:

• \( total \) — Sum of best squat, bench press, and deadlift (kg)
• \( BW \) — Body weight (kg)
• \( a-e \) — Gender-specific coefficients

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and strength potential, with different coefficients for men and women.

3. Importance of Wilks Score

Details: The Wilks Score is widely used in powerlifting competitions to compare athletes across weight classes and determine overall winners in meets with multiple weight classes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total powerlifting score in kg, your body weight in kg, and select your gender. All values must be valid (total > 0, body weight > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good Wilks Score?
A: A Wilks Score of 300 is considered decent, 400 is very good, and 500+ is elite level in powerlifting.

Q2: Why are there different coefficients for men and women?
A: The coefficients account for physiological differences in strength potential between genders at different body weights.

Q3: Is Wilks still used in competitions?
A: While some federations have moved to newer formulas like IPF Points, Wilks remains widely used and understood.

Q4: How does body weight affect the Wilks Score?
A: Generally, lighter lifters get a higher multiplier as strength-to-weight ratio typically decreases with increasing body weight.

Q5: Can I use Wilks for single lifts?
A: While designed for totals, the same formula can be applied to single lifts for comparison purposes.