1. What is the Wilks Score?

The Wilks Score (or Wilks Coefficient) is a measure of strength relative to body weight used in powerlifting. It allows for comparison of lifters across different weight classes by normalizing their total lifts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Wilks formula:

Where:

• \( total \) — Total weight lifted in kg (sum of squat, bench press, and deadlift)
• \( coeff \) — Coefficient based on gender and body weight

Explanation: The coefficient is calculated using different polynomial equations for males and females that account for the non-linear relationship between body weight and strength potential.

3. Importance of Wilks Score

Details: The Wilks Score is widely used in powerlifting competitions to determine the "best lifter" across weight classes and to compare performances between athletes of different sizes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total competition lift in kg, your body weight in kg, and select your gender. The calculator will compute your Wilks Score.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a good Wilks Score?
A: For beginners, 200-300 is typical. Intermediate lifters score 300-400, advanced 400-500, and elite lifters can score 500+.

Q2: Is Wilks Score used in all federations?
A: Most federations use Wilks or similar coefficients (like IPF's newer "IPF Points"), though some use different formulas.

Q3: Why are there different coefficients for men and women?
A: The equations account for physiological differences in strength potential between genders at different body weights.

Q4: Has the Wilks formula changed over time?
A: Yes, the original 1990s formula was updated in 2017, but many still use the original version (which this calculator implements).

Q5: Can I use Wilks for single lifts?
A: While designed for totals, you can calculate a Wilks Score for individual lifts, but it's not standard practice.