Use this calculator to compare powerlifting performances across bodyweights with IPF GL Points, Wilks 2020, and the legacy Wilks Classic formula. You can enter a full three-lift total or your individual squat, bench press, and deadlift, switch between kilograms and pounds, and calculate the correct IPF GL category for Classic or Equipped lifting.
How to use the calculator
- Choose the men’s or women’s formula.
- Select kilograms or pounds. The calculator converts pounds to kilograms internally because the published formulas use kilograms.
- For IPF GL, choose Classic or Equipped and decide whether you are calculating a three-lift powerlifting result or bench press only.
- Enter your bodyweight, then either your three lifts, your total, or your bench-only result.
- Compare the three scores, keeping in mind that each formula uses its own scale.
Which score should you use?
IPF GL Points
IPF GL is the scoring system used by the International Powerlifting Federation for relative performance comparisons. The IPF introduced GL Points in 2020 after evaluating the earlier IPF Formula, and its published coefficient table separates men and women, Classic and Equipped lifting, and powerlifting versus bench-only competition. If you are comparing results in an IPF context, this is the most relevant score on this page.
Wilks 2020
Wilks 2020 is the updated Wilks system released in 2020. World Powerlifting states that it replaced the older 1995 Wilks formula and can be applied to a total or an individual lift. Because the coefficients and normalization changed, a Wilks 2020 score is not directly comparable with a classic Wilks number.
Wilks Classic
Wilks Classic is the older formula many lifters still recognize from historical rankings, old meet results, forum discussions, and training logs. It remains useful when you are comparing against data that was originally scored with the legacy system. It should be labeled clearly rather than presented as the current Wilks 2020 formula.
How IPF GL is calculated
The published IPF method first calculates an equalization coefficient from bodyweight:
IPF GL coefficient = 100 / (A − B × e−C×bodyweight)
The coefficient is then multiplied by the competition result. The constants A, B, and C change according to sex category, Classic or Equipped lifting, and whether the result is a full powerlifting total or bench press only. This calculator uses all eight coefficient sets from the IPF table rather than treating GL as one universal formula.
Wilks Classic vs Wilks 2020
| System | What it is useful for | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| IPF GL | Current IPF-style relative scoring | Coefficient set changes by sex, equipment category and event type |
| Wilks 2020 | Updated Wilks comparisons | Uses a different coefficient set and 600-point normalization |
| Wilks Classic | Legacy comparisons and older records | Uses the older coefficient set and 500-point normalization |
Example: 83 kg male lifter with a 600 kg Classic total
For a male lifter at 83 kg with a 600 kg Classic three-lift total, this calculator returns approximately:
- IPF GL: 83.056 points
- Wilks 2020: 480.99 points
- Wilks Classic: 400.50 points
The different numbers do not mean one calculation is “wrong.” They are different scoring systems with different reference scales.
What these scores can—and cannot—tell you
All three systems try to make bodyweight-adjusted comparisons more useful than simply ranking lifters by the biggest absolute total. They are still scoring models, not measurements of technique, training quality, future potential, or injury risk. A score also does not determine whether you qualify for a meet; qualification standards and best-lifter scoring depend on the federation and event.
If you are learning the terminology behind totals, attempts, weight classes and scoring, use our Powerlifting Glossary. For competition equipment rules, see the IPF Approved List 2026 guide.
FAQ
What is a good Wilks score?
First identify which Wilks version you are using. Wilks 2020 and Wilks Classic are on different scales, so a single “good score” table should not be applied to both. World Powerlifting describes 400+ as good, 500 as great and 600+ as exceptional for Wilks 2020 totals, but these are rough performance references rather than federation qualification standards.
Why does the IPF use GL Points?
The IPF says it evaluated the IPF Formula introduced in 2018 and replaced it with IPF GL Points from May 1, 2020, to improve relative comparisons across bodyweights and competition categories.
Does IPF GL use different formulas for Classic and Equipped lifting?
Yes. The published IPF coefficient table has separate constants for Classic Powerlifting, Equipped Powerlifting, Classic Bench Press and Equipped Bench Press for men and women.
Can I calculate scores in pounds?
Yes. Enter pounds and the calculator converts bodyweight and lifted weight to kilograms before applying the published formulas.
Can Wilks 2020 be used for one lift instead of a total?
Yes. World Powerlifting states that Wilks 2020 can be used for a total or an individual squat, bench press or deadlift. On this page, bench-only mode uses the bench result for both Wilks calculations and the correct bench-specific IPF GL coefficients.
Why are Wilks Classic and Wilks 2020 so different?
The 2020 update changed the coefficients and normalization. A higher number under Wilks 2020 does not mean the same performance suddenly became stronger; it means the scoring scale changed.
Sources & formula references
- International Powerlifting Federation — IPF GL Formula
- International Powerlifting Federation — IPF GL Coefficients
- World Powerlifting — Wilks Formula 2020 & Calculator
- Powerlifting Australia — Wilks Formula 2 Released
Formula pages can be revised by their governing organizations. This page was checked and updated on August 19, 2026.