Wilks Calculator
Input your best lifts:
Understanding Powerlifting Performance Metrics
In competitive powerlifting, comparing athletes across different weight classes requires sophisticated performance metrics. One widely-used method is a coefficient-based calculation system that accounts for the relationship between body mass and lifting capacity. This standardized approach helps create fair comparisons between lifters of varying sizes and enables meaningful competition rankings.
Performance Calculation Method
The performance metric is determined through a mathematical formula that considers both the total weight lifted and the athlete’s body weight. This calculation produces a coefficient that adjusts the total lifted weight to account for the natural strength advantages or disadvantages that come with different body weights. The system was updated in 2020 to better reflect modern lifting standards and provide more accurate comparisons across all weight classes.
Competition Applications
- Weight Class Competition: Athletes compete directly against others in their specific weight category
- Overall Rankings: The coefficient system allows for fair comparison between different weight classes
- Team Events: Enables balanced team composition across various weight categories
How the Wilks Calculator Works
The Wilks Calculator is a tool designed to assess the relative strength of powerlifters by comparing their performance across different weight classes. Here’s how it operates:
Inputs Required:
- Body Weight: The lifter’s weight in either kilograms or pounds.
- Total Weight Lifted: The combined best attempts of the squat, bench press, and deadlift (in kilograms or pounds).
- Gender: The coefficients used in calculations vary for male and female lifters.
Wilks Coefficient Calculation
The Wilks formula assigns a coefficient based on body weight, calculated as follows:
Where:
- W: The lifter’s body weight (in kilograms).
- a, b, c, d, e, f: Gender-specific coefficients.
Relative Strength Calculation
Once the coefficient is determined, it is used to calculate the Wilks Score:
This score reflects the lifter’s relative strength compared to others.
Example Calculation
Consider a male lifter weighing 80 kg with a total lift of 600 kg:
Using the male Wilks coefficients:
- a: -216.0475144
- b: 16.2606339
- c: -0.002388645
- d: -0.00113732
- e: 7.01863e-6
- f: -1.291e-8
The coefficient C is calculated using W = 80:
Finally, the Wilks Score is calculated by multiplying the coefficient by the total lift:
How the Wilks Calculator Works
The Wilks Calculator is a tool designed to assess the relative strength of powerlifters by comparing their performance across different weight classes. Here’s how it operates:
Calculate Your Wilks ScoreInputs Required:
- Body Weight: The lifter’s weight in either kilograms or pounds.
- Total Weight Lifted: The combined best attempts of the squat, bench press, and deadlift (in kilograms or pounds).
- Gender: The coefficients used in calculations vary for male and female lifters.
Wilks Coefficient Calculation
The Wilks formula assigns a coefficient based on body weight, calculated as follows:
Where:
- W: The lifter’s body weight (in kilograms).
- a, b, c, d, e, f: Gender-specific coefficients.
Relative Strength Calculation
Once the coefficient is determined, it is used to calculate the Wilks Score:
This score reflects the lifter’s relative strength compared to others.
Example Calculation
Consider a male lifter weighing 80 kg with a total lift of 600 kg:
Using the male Wilks coefficients:
- a: -216.0475144
- b: 16.2606339
- c: -0.002388645
- d: -0.00113732
- e: 7.01863e-6
- f: -1.291e-8
The coefficient C is calculated using W = 80:
Finally, the Wilks Score is calculated by multiplying the coefficient by the total lift:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the Wilks Calculator?
The Wilks Calculator provides a standardized method for comparing the strength of powerlifters across different weight classes, ensuring fair competition.
How do I use the Wilks Calculator?
Input your body weight, total weight lifted, and select your gender. The calculator will compute your Wilks Score based on the provided data.
What does the Wilks Score indicate?
The Wilks Score reflects your relative strength compared to other lifters, helping you understand your performance level in the context of your weight class.
Are the coefficients the same for all lifters?
No, the coefficients vary based on gender, accounting for physiological differences between male and female lifters.
Can I use the Wilks Calculator for any lifting discipline?
While primarily used in powerlifting, the Wilks Calculator can also be applied to other strength sports involving weight classes.
Manish is a NASM-certified fitness and nutrition coach with over 10 years of experience in weight lifting and fat loss fitness coaching. He specializes in gym-based training and has a lot of knowledge about exercise, lifting technique, biomechanics, and more.
Through “Fit Life Regime,” he generously shares the insights he’s gained over a decade in the field. His goal is to equip others with the knowledge to start their own fitness journey.