In powerlifting, the same weight lifted can have varying implications based on the lifter’s size. When both a 200-pound athlete and a 400-pound athlete max out their deadlift at 500 pounds, it’s generally recognized that the 200-pound lifter has achieved a more impressive feat.
This concept becomes even more intriguing when a 200-pound lifter achieves 500 pounds and a 202-pound lifter manages 502 pounds. Are they nearly equal in strength? To assess each lifter's strength relative to their bodyweight, several formulas have been developed over the years.
Before the widely recognized Wilks score, powerlifting federations utilized formulas like O’Carroll and Schwartz. Today, options like the Glossbrenner coefficient and the Siff coefficient are also in play. Despite its limitations—such as potential bias toward heavier lifters in events like the deadlift—the Wilks Coefficient remains predominant in international powerlifting, particularly under the International Powerlifting Federation.
Check out our infographic showcasing the best Wilks scores of all time. You may find some names on this list surprising.
