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Wilks and DOTS Score Calculator

DOTS score for powerlifting totals, which normalises across bodyweight so lifters in different classes can be compared. It replaced the older Wilks coefficient, which was found to disadvantage the lightest and heaviest lifters.

Also called: wilks calculator, powerlifting score.

kg
kg
Sex
DOTS score
337.54

337.54 DOTS from a 500 kg total at 83 kg bodyweight, a coefficient of 0.68. Relative strength is 6.02 times bodyweight. DOTS replaced Wilks because the older coefficients disadvantaged the lightest and heaviest lifters.

DOTS coefficient
0.68
Total as a multiple of bodyweight
6.02
Total needed for 400 DOTS
592.5
Approximate level
intermediate
On the scoring system
DOTS replaced Wilks because the older coefficients disadvantaged the lightest and heaviest lifters.
How this is calculated
Method and background

This is what the calculation gives for the numbers you entered. It is an estimate, not advice, and it knows nothing about your situation beyond those numbers. Rules for United States change on a published schedule; the effective date is shown on every rule-based tool.

How this is calculated

Strength scales with bodyweight but not proportionally, so comparing raw totals favours heavier lifters and comparing multiples of bodyweight favours lighter ones. DOTS applies a polynomial fitted to competition data that sits between the two. It replaced Wilks after analysis showed the older coefficients had drifted out of line with modern performances at the extremes of the weight range.

a polynomial in bodyweight that normalises totals across weight classes
x
Bodyweight in kg

Worked examples

Each of these is asserted on every build. If a change to the engine ever moved one of these answers, the build would fail before the page could print it.

a 500 kg total at 83 kg

Bodyweight
83 kg
Total lifted
500 kg
Sex
Male

DOTS score337.54

Relative strength is the total over bodyweight, 500/83

Open this example

a lighter lifter scores higher for the same total

Bodyweight
66 kg
Total lifted
500 kg
Sex
Male

DOTS score391.76

boundary: the normalisation this system exists to provide

Open this example

Method and limits

What it assumes

  • A full powerlifting total of squat, bench and deadlift.

What it deliberately does not model

  • Any coefficient system is a fit to a particular dataset and will drift as the sport changes.
  • Equipment classes and federations differ, so scores are not always comparable across them.

Formula version 1.0.0 · definition 1.0.0 · United States · Report a problem with this calculator

Frequently asked questions

Why not just compare totals?
Because heavier lifters lift more in absolute terms. Comparing multiples of bodyweight overcorrects in the other direction, favouring the lightest. DOTS sits between the two.
What replaced Wilks?
DOTS, after analysis found the Wilks coefficients disadvantaged lifters at both extremes of the weight range relative to modern performances.