Strength score explained

These scores let you compare lifters of different body weights, for example a 400 kg total at 60 kg and at 120 kg. Here are all three, and what each is used for.

Your details

For a 400 kg total

300.9

DOTS score

IPF GL points, classic (raw) powerlifting60.5 (100 is the average elite lifter at your weight)
Wilks (1994 formula)300.2
Total per kg of body weight5.7 kg

All these scores divide your result by a curve fitted to body weight, so heavier lifters are not simply ahead. The IPF uses GL points with separate curves for classic and equipped lifting and for bench only. They are for comparing lifters, not for judging health or a body.

The working

400 kg at 11 st

At 69.9 kg a 400 kg total scores about 301 DOTS, 300 Wilks and about 60.5 IPF GL points. The numbers differ because each uses a different curve.

Classic, equipped or bench only

The IPF uses four GL curves

IPF GL points have separate curves for classic and equipped lifting, and for bench only events, for men and for women. 100 points is the level of an average elite lifter at your body weight. The same 400 kg at 69.9 kg is 60.5 GL classic but less equipped, because supportive kit lifts more. Add a points goal and we work back to the total you need: 70 GL classic at 69.9 kg is 462.7 kg, 62.7 kg more. A 100 kg classic bench at that weight is 55.0 GL.

How they work

Dividing by a curve

Each formula takes your total and divides by a number that rises with body weight but flattens out, because strength does not grow in a straight line with size.

Which to use

Depends on the meet

Score	Used by
Wilks	the IPF until 2019; still common
DOTS	many federations since 2019
IPF GL	the IPF and British Powerlifting results

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

HealthStrength scores say nothing about health or how a body should look.
Teenagers and mastersAge adjustments are separate.
Very light or heavy liftersResults get less reliable at the extremes.

Questions

Common questions

Is Wilks still used?

Some meets use it, but the IPF switched to GL points.

What is a good DOTS score?

National level lifters often score above 400; everyone starts somewhere lower.

Why do women and men have different formulas?

They are fitted to different sets of competition results.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Before you push on

New to exercise, or got a heart, lung or joint condition? Have a word with your GP or practice nurse first. Stop and get help if you feel chest pain, faintness or unusual breathlessness, and call 999 if it is severe.