What is a good DOTS score?

For a full powerlifting total, 250 to 350 is a solid regular lifter, 350 to 450 is competitive regionally or nationally, and over 450 is national to international level.

What is the difference between DOTS and Wilks?

Both adjust for bodyweight. DOTS is the newer formula and is used by many federations because it treats weight classes more evenly than the original Wilks.

Can I use DOTS for a single lift?

Yes. The maths works on any weight, so you can score a single squat, bench or deadlift. Just compare single-lift scores with other single-lift scores.

Is DOTS the same as IPF GL points?

No. IPF GL points are the IPF's own formula, which also adjusts for equipment and event. DOTS is used by many other federations and is simpler to compare across lifts.

Home › Tools › DOTS and Wilks calculator

DOTS and Wilks calculator

Reviewed by Aaron Parry, strength and conditioning coach for RAF Rugby and Peterborough Rugby
Updated 22 October 2026

DOTS is a score that compares lifters of different bodyweights fairly. Your total is multiplied by a coefficient based on your bodyweight and sex. A DOTS of 300 to 350 is a solid club-level lifter, 400 and up is national level, and the best in the world score 500 to 600 or more.

What is DOTS?

DOTS (Dynamic Objective Team Scoring) is a bodyweight-adjusted score adopted by many powerlifting federations in place of Wilks. A 60 kg lifter and a 120 kg lifter can't be compared on kilos alone: bigger lifters lift more. DOTS divides that out, so the score reflects how strong you are for your size.

DOTS = total × 500 ÷ (a curve fitted to bodyweight). The calculator does the maths. It works for a full total (squat + bench + deadlift) or a single lift, as long as you compare like with like.

DOTS vs Wilks

Wilks was the long-standing formula. It was updated in 2020, and many federations moved to DOTS or IPF GL points because the original Wilks favoured certain weight classes. This calculator shows the original Wilks alongside DOTS so you can compare with older results. For new comparisons, use DOTS.

What's a good DOTS score?

DOTS (total)	Roughly
Under 250	Getting started
250 to 350	Regular gym lifter to club level
350 to 450	Competitive at regional to national level
450+	National to international level

These bands are a rough guide for full-power totals. Scores for a single lift are about a third of a total score.

How Lift Proven uses DOTS

Lift Proven's gym, county, country and world leaderboards can be ranked by DOTS, so a lighter lifter can top the board on a strong lift. Every entry on the board is verified on video: your phone checks depth and lockout on each rep.

Get on a leaderboard you can trust

Film your lift in Lift Proven, the phone checks every rep, and your DOTS score goes on your gym's board. Hold the top spot and you get the crown.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Questions

What is a good DOTS score?: For a full powerlifting total, 250 to 350 is a solid regular lifter, 350 to 450 is competitive regionally or nationally, and over 450 is national to international level.
What is the difference between DOTS and Wilks?: Both adjust for bodyweight. DOTS is the newer formula and is used by many federations because it treats weight classes more evenly than the original Wilks.
Can I use DOTS for a single lift?: Yes. The maths works on any weight, so you can score a single squat, bench or deadlift. Just compare single-lift scores with other single-lift scores.
Is DOTS the same as IPF GL points?: No. IPF GL points are the IPF's own formula, which also adjusts for equipment and event. DOTS is used by many other federations and is simpler to compare across lifts.