The Wilks score are a mathematical formula that allow individuals to compare the strength of powerlifters of different bodyweights. Due to the fact that an individual with a low bodyweight may be able to lift less total weight than an individual with a higher bodyweight, the Wilks score provides a way of determining that the individual with the lower bodyweight may be stronger relative to there body size. The Wilks score use a mathematical coefficient to calculate and adjust for the bodyweight of a powerlifter, and provides a single score as a representation of the relative strength of that powerlifter.
Because the score account for bodyweight, the score provides a means of providing a fair comparison between powerlifters of different weight. In order to calculate the Wilks score of a powerlifter, it is first necessary to know two figure regarding that powerlifter: their bodyweight in kilograms, and the total weight of the squat, bench press, and deadlift that they lifted. Multiplying the total weight that they lifted by a coefficient that their bodyweight determines will produce there Wilks score.
How the Wilks Score Works
The coefficient decrease with the bodyweight of the powerlifter; lighter powerlifters have higher coefficients, and heavier powerlifters has lower coefficients. This coefficient is created as a means of rewarding strength relative to bodyweight; the more weight that an individual can lift in relation to their bodyweight, the more stronger they are considered to be. A male powerlifter with a bodyweight of 83kg who can lift a total of 520kg will have a Wilks score of approximately 300.
A Wilks score of 300 is considered to be an intermediate strength level. A male powerlifter with a bodyweight of 83kg who can lift a total of 520kg and who have a Wilks score of 400 is considered to be an advanced powerlifter. A powerlifter with a bodyweight of 83kg who can lift a total weight of 520kg and who have a Wilks score of 500 is considered to be a world class powerlifter.
Though the coefficients are different for powerlifters who are female, female powerlifters utilize the same system to determine their strength relative to other female powerlifter. An important factor in increasing one’s Wilks score is the management of one’s bodyweight. A decrease in bodyweight with the same total weight lifted will lead to an increase in the coefficient with which the total weight lifted is multiplied.
An increase in bodyweight (with an increase in total weight lifted) will lead to a decrease in the coefficient. Thus, an individual can increase their total weight lifted and their coefficient by managing their bodyweight appropriate. The equipment with which an individual perform their lifts will also impact the total weight that they can lift, and therefore their coefficient and resulting Wilks score.
Raw powerlifters perform their lift with minimal equipment and will achieve specific Wilks scores with their raw lifts. Equipped powerlifters use additional lifting gear (such as a lifting suit or squat wraps) to increase the total weight that they can lift, and equipped powerlifting totals is higher than raw powerlifting totals. Thus, equipped powerlifting totals and Wilks scores should not be compared to raw powerlifting scores and totals.
Though there are some criticisms of the Wilks score, it remains the most common scoring system within powerlifting. For example, some believe that the score is less accurate for powerlifters who weigh less than 50kg or more than 140kg. As a result, some powerlifting federations use other scoring system, such as the GL points or the DOTS score.
However, the Wilks score is the most common score system worldwide, and is used to discuss the relative (pound for pound) strength of powerlifters. Consequently, an individual’s Wilks score can be used to track their strength gains over time, as well as to understand their strength in relation to others.
