DOTS vs Wilks vs IPF GL: which score to use
All three put lifters of different bodyweights on one scale by dividing the total by a curve fitted to bodyweight. Use the one your federation uses: IPF GL points in the IPF, DOTS in USA Powerlifting. DOTS and Wilks land in the same range; GL points use a smaller scale, so never compare across formulas.
What each formula does
- Wilks divides your total in kilos by a fifth-degree polynomial of bodyweight, with separate coefficients for men and women, times 500. It was the standard for decades and was updated in 2020 (often called Wilks2).
- DOTS uses the same idea with a fourth-degree polynomial fitted to newer data, also times 500. It was built to fix the old Wilks bias toward some bodyweights. Bodyweight is capped at 40 to 210 kg for men and 40 to 150 kg for women.
- IPF GL points divide the total by an exponential curve of bodyweight, times 100, with separate coefficients for men, women, classic (raw) and equipped lifting.
The same totals in all three
Classic (raw) totals, computed with each formula's published coefficients:
| Lifter | Total | DOTS | Wilks | IPF GL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Man, 165 lb (74.8 kg) | 1,000 lb | 325.9 | 323.7 | 66.2 |
| Man, 198 lb (89.8 kg) | 1,255 lb | 368.5 | 363.8 | 75.8 |
| Man, 242 lb (109.8 kg) | 1,500 lb | 403.3 | 400.7 | 82.3 |
| Woman, 132 lb (59.9 kg) | 770 lb | 387.7 | 390.0 | 79.1 |
| Woman, 165 lb (74.8 kg) | 900 lb | 398.1 | 388.6 | 81.1 |
DOTS and Wilks agree within about 2.5 % for all five, yet they already rank the two women differently: DOTS and GL put the 165 lb woman ahead, Wilks puts the 132 lb woman ahead. At the edges of the bodyweight range the gaps get bigger.
Which federations use which?
The IPF and its national federations score best lifter rankings with IPF GL points. USA Powerlifting uses DOTS (rulebook section 1.9.5). Other federations differ, and some still use Wilks: check your federation's current rulebook before a meet.
Which one should you track?
For your own progress any of them works, as long as you stick with one: your score rises when your total grows faster than your bodyweight. RawLift uses DOTS because it sits on the familiar 500-point scale and is the formula of the largest US federation. Work yours out with the DOTS calculator.
Questions
Which is more accurate, DOTS or Wilks?
In the IPF's 2020 evaluation of scoring formulas, IPF GL points ranked first and DOTS second, both ahead of the original Wilks formula and its 2020 update. DOTS was made to correct the bodyweight bias of the old Wilks formula.
Does the IPF use DOTS?
No. The IPF ranks lifters across weight classes with IPF GL points. USA Powerlifting, which left the IPF, uses DOTS.
Why is my GL score so much lower than my DOTS?
Different scale, not a worse result. DOTS and Wilks put strong totals in the 300s to 500s; IPF GL points put the same totals around 60 to 120. Compare scores only within one formula.
Can I convert DOTS to Wilks?
Not exactly, because the curves differ by bodyweight and sex. For most lifters between about 60 and 110 kg the two land within a few percent of each other, so a DOTS of 400 is roughly a Wilks of 400.
Sources
- USA Powerlifting, Rulebook v2026.2, 1.9.5.
- Kopayev, O., Onyshchenko, B., Stetsenko, A. (2020). Evaluation of Wilks, IPF, DOTS and Goodlift formulas. International Powerlifting Federation.