💪 Wilks Calculator

Calculate your Wilks Score – the gold standard for comparing powerlifting strength across different body weights. Used in competitive powerlifting to determine pound-for-pound strength rankings.

👤 Gender

Required for accurate coefficient calculation (different formulas used)

⚖️ Body Weight

Your competition body weight

🏋️ Powerlifting Total

Sum of your best squat, bench press, and deadlift

🎯 Lift Type

Select the type of lift for your score

Wha is the Wilks Formula

Scientific Foundation

The Wilks formula was developed by Robert Wilks to provide a fair comparison of powerlifting strength across different body weights. Research published in PMC demonstrates that the Wilks coefficient effectively normalizes strength performance, allowing accurate comparison between athletes of vastly different sizes. The formula uses a complex polynomial equation based on extensive analysis of powerlifting competition data.

Competitive Success Analysis

Studies on competitive success factors show that Wilks scores are the strongest predictor of powerlifting competition outcomes. The research analyzed national-level powerlifters and found that athletes with higher Wilks scores consistently achieved better competitive placements, validating the formula’s effectiveness in identifying pound-for-pound strength.

Mathematical Validation

Mathematical analysis of strength metrics confirms the statistical robustness of the Wilks formula. The research demonstrates that the polynomial coefficients used in the Wilks equation provide optimal normalization across the full spectrum of human body weights, from lightweight to super-heavyweight categories, making it the most accurate method for comparing relative strength.

Historical Development

Historical research on strength coefficients traces the evolution of powerlifting scoring systems leading to the Wilks formula. Earlier systems like the Schwartz formula were less accurate, particularly for extreme body weights. The Wilks formula addressed these limitations through more sophisticated mathematical modeling, becoming the international standard for powerlifting competitions.

Modern Applications

Contemporary applications in strength sports show the widespread adoption of Wilks scoring across powerlifting federations worldwide. The formula is used not only for competition rankings but also for talent identification, training program assessment, and long-term athlete development. Its accuracy and reliability have made it the gold standard for strength comparison in the sport.

Wilks Formula & Coefficients

Male Wilks Coefficient Formula

Coefficient = 500 / (a + b×BW + c×BW² + d×BW³ + e×BW⁴ + f×BW⁵)

Where BW = body weight in kg, and the constants are:
• a = -216.0475144
• b = 16.2606339
• c = -0.002388645
• d = -0.00113732
• e = 7.01863e-06
• f = -1.291e-08

Female Wilks Coefficient Formula

Coefficient = 500 / (a + b×BW + c×BW² + d×BW³ + e×BW⁴ + f×BW⁵)

Where BW = body weight in kg, and the constants are:
• a = 594.31747775582
• b = -27.23842536447
• c = 0.82112226871
• d = -0.00930733913
• e = 4.731582e-05
• f = -9.054e-08

Final Score Calculation

Wilks Score = Total Lifted (kg) × Wilks Coefficient

The total lifted is typically the sum of the best squat, bench press, and deadlift in competition. For single lift competitions, only that specific lift is used. The resulting score allows direct comparison between athletes of different body weights, with higher scores indicating better pound-for-pound strength.

Research & Validation Studies

Strength Performance Analysis

Comprehensive analysis published in PMC examined the relationship between body weight and strength performance in powerlifting. The study validated the Wilks formula’s accuracy in normalizing strength across different weight classes, confirming its effectiveness as a fair comparison metric. The research analyzed thousands of competition results to verify the mathematical model’s precision.

Competitive Success Predictors

Multilevel analysis of national powerlifters identified Wilks scores as the most significant predictor of competitive success. The study followed athletes across multiple competitions and found strong correlations between Wilks performance and medal placement, validating the formula’s practical application in competitive settings.

Mathematical Model Validation

Statistical analysis of strength metrics provided mathematical validation of the Wilks formula through rigorous statistical testing. The research confirmed that the polynomial equation accurately models the relationship between body weight and strength potential, with minimal bias across the full range of human body weights from 40kg to 200kg+.

Historical Context & Evolution

Historical development research traces the evolution from earlier strength coefficients to the modern Wilks formula. Previous systems showed significant bias toward certain weight ranges, while the Wilks formula demonstrated superior accuracy and fairness across all categories, leading to its universal adoption in powerlifting competitions worldwide.

Contemporary Applications

Modern strength sports applications demonstrate the continued relevance and accuracy of the Wilks formula in contemporary powerlifting. The research shows consistent application across different populations, age groups, and competitive levels, confirming its status as the international standard for strength comparison in powerlifting and related strength sports.

References

Ferland PM, Allard MO, Comtois AS. Efficiency of the Wilks and IPF Formulas at Comparing Maximal Strength Regardless of Bodyweight through Analysis of the Open Powerlifting Database. Int J Exerc Sci. 2020 Sep 1;13(4):567-582. doi: 10.70252/XGHM8852. PMID: 33042369; PMCID: PMC7523908.
Coker, Nicholas & Varanoske, Alyssa & Baker, Kayla & Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie & Wells, Adam. (2018). Predictors of competitive success of national-level powerlifters: a multilevel analysis. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 18. 1-10. 10.1080/24748668.2018.1519751.
Vanderburgh PM, Batterham AM. Validation of the Wilks powerlifting formula. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999 Dec;31(12):1869-75. doi: 10.1097/00005768-199912000-00027. PMID: 10613442.
Keogh JW, Hume PA, Pearson SN, Mellow PJ. Can absolute and proportional anthropometric characteristics distinguish stronger and weaker powerlifters? J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Nov;23(8):2256-65. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b8d67a. PMID: 19826300.

Manish Kumar

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.