Wilks Score Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the wilks score calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Wilks Score Calculator

Formulas Used

Wilks Score

wilks_score = round(total_kg * coeff * 100) / 100

Total in Pounds

total_lbs = round(total_kg * 2.20462)

Body Weight in Pounds

bw_lbs = round(body_weight_kg * 2.20462 * 10) / 10

Total / Body Weight

total_to_bw = round(total_kg / body_weight_kg * 100) / 100

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
body_weight_kgBody Weight(kg)82
total_kgPowerlifting Total(kg)500
genderGender1
coeffDerived value= 500 / (gender * (-216.0475144 + 16.2606339 * body_weight_kg - 0.002388645 * pow(body_weight_kg, 2) - 0.00113732 * pow(body_weight_kg, 3) + 0.00000701863 * pow(body_weight_kg, 4) - 0.00000001291 * pow(body_weight_kg, 5)) + (1 - gender) * (594.31747775582 - 27.23842536447 * body_weight_kg + 0.82112226871 * pow(body_weight_kg, 2) - 0.00930733913 * pow(body_weight_kg, 3) + 0.00004731582 * pow(body_weight_kg, 4) - 0.00000009054 * pow(body_weight_kg, 5)))calculated

How It Works

How the Wilks Score Works

The Wilks coefficient normalizes powerlifting totals across body weights, allowing fair comparison between lifters of different sizes.

Formula

Wilks Score = Total (kg) x Wilks Coefficient

The coefficient is derived from a 5th-degree polynomial fitted to world-class performance data.

Interpretation

  • 300+: Competitive local/regional
  • 400+: National level
  • 450+: Elite
  • 500+: World class

    • Worked Example

    An 82 kg male lifter with a 500 kg powerlifting total.

    body_weight_kg = 82total_kg = 500gender = 1
    1. 01Apply the Wilks polynomial for male at 82 kg
    2. 02Wilks coefficient is approximately 0.679
    3. 03Wilks score = 500 * 0.679 = 339.5
    4. 04This is a competitive recreational-to-regional level score

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Wilks Score Calculator