DOTS Calculator
Convert your powerlifting total into a DOTS score to compare lifters across body weights.
How to use the dots calculator
- Choose units and your sex.
- Enter your body weight and total (squat + bench + deadlift).
- Click Calculate to get your DOTS score.
Why federations moved to DOTS
The original Wilks formula was felt to favour certain body-weight ranges. DOTS recalibrated the curve to even out comparisons, which is why it is now widely used.
What DOTS improves on
DOTS is a modern coefficient for comparing powerlifting totals across body weights. It uses an updated polynomial that many consider fairer than older Wilks coefficients, particularly at the lightest and heaviest body weights where Wilks could distort.
How to use your DOTS score
Like Wilks, DOTS turns your total into a single comparable number regardless of weight class or sex. Track it over time to see genuine progress that raw totals can hide when your body weight changes, and use it to benchmark against lifters of different sizes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good DOTS score?
Roughly 300 is a strong intermediate, 400 advanced, and 500+ approaches elite — similar bands to the Wilks score it replaced.
DOTS vs Wilks — what's the difference?
DOTS uses an updated coefficient curve that many federations adopted to compare totals more fairly across body weights, especially at the extremes.
Is DOTS better than Wilks?
Many lifters and federations consider DOTS a fairer modern formula, especially at the extremes of body weight. Both remain in common use.
What is a competitive DOTS score?
Scores climb past 400 for advanced lifters and approach 500 and beyond at elite level, broadly similar to Wilks benchmarks.
Does DOTS work across weight classes?
Yes, that is its purpose: to compare lifters of different body weights and sexes on a single scale.
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