Free Tool
DOTS Calculator
DOTS is the current default scoring formula in most US powerlifting federations. It corrects bias at the extremes of bodyweight that the original Wilks formula carried. Enter your total and bodyweight to see your DOTS score.
Your meet
DOTS score
352.2
Total: 520 kg
Track your meet PRs and projected DOTS
Zealova logs every working set, projects your meet total from training, and updates your DOTS after each session.
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Methodology + Sources
Last updated: 2026-05-14
Built by Sai, founder of Zealova. Not a neutral third party. Calculator results are estimates. For medical decisions, consult a qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between DOTS and Wilks?+
DOTS uses a degree-4 polynomial in the denominator (Wilks uses degree 5). DOTS was fit on a more recent dataset and slightly favors lifters at the very light and very heavy ends of the bodyweight spectrum compared to Wilks. For mid-weight lifters the scores are usually within 5 to 10 points.
Which federations use DOTS?+
USAPL, IPL, USPA (optional), and most national-level US federations have adopted DOTS as the default. The IPF uses its own IPF GL Points formula. Older meets still posted in Wilks.
What is a competitive DOTS score?+
For natural lifters: 300 is a strong intermediate, 400 is advanced, 500 is competitive at regional level, and 600 plus is national class. Equipped scores skew 50 to 100 points higher.
Does DOTS work for individual lifts?+
The formula is designed for full powerlifting total. You can apply it to a single lift but the percentile mapping is meaningless because the formula was fit against three-lift totals.
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