1. What is the Wilks Formula?

The Wilks formula (or Wilks coefficient) is used to compare the strength of powerlifters and weightlifters while accounting for differences in body weight. It allows for fair comparison between athletes of different sizes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Wilks formula:

Where:

• \( TotalKg \) — Total weight lifted in kilograms (squat + bench press + deadlift)
• \( WilksCoefficient \) — Coefficient calculated based on body weight and gender

Explanation: The Wilks coefficient is calculated differently for men and women using polynomial equations that account for the non-linear relationship between body weight and strength potential.

3. Importance of Wilks Score

Details: The Wilks score is the standard method for comparing strength across weight classes in powerlifting. It's used in competitions to determine the "best lifter" award and to rank lifters across different categories.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total competition lift (sum of squat, bench press, and deadlift) in kg, your body weight in kg, and select your gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Wilks instead of just total weight lifted?
A: Wilks accounts for the fact that smaller athletes typically lift less absolute weight but may be stronger relative to their body size.

Q2: What is a good Wilks score?
A: A score of 300+ is considered good, 400+ is excellent, and 500+ is world-class for drug-tested lifters.

Q3: Is Wilks the same for all federations?
A: Most federations use Wilks, but some have begun transitioning to newer formulas like IPF Points (for IPF competitions).

Q4: Does Wilks work for extreme body weights?
A: The formula works best for typical adult body weights. Accuracy may decrease for very light or very heavy individuals.

Q5: Can I use Wilks for single lifts?
A: While designed for powerlifting totals, you can use it for single lifts, but comparisons will be less meaningful.