GetHealthyCalculators
Skip to content

IPF GL Points Calculator

The IPF Goodlift (GL) Points coefficient was introduced by the International Powerlifting Federation in 2020 to replace the older IPF Points formula. Like the Wilks and DOTS scores, GL Points normalise a powerlifting total for bodyweight and sex, allowing fair comparison across weight classes. The GL formula uses an exponential model rather than a polynomial, and separate parameter sets for raw and equipped lifting — making it more accurate at the extreme bodyweight ranges where polynomial formulas may drift. GL Points are the official metric used in IPF and USAPL head-to-head "best lifter" determinations since 2020.

Reviewed by GetHealthyCalculators Editorial Team · Updated April 11, 2026

Quick Answer

The IPF GL Points formula produces scores in the 8–25 range for competitive lifters. A score of 10–12 represents a solid recreational competitive level; 12–15 indicates regional-level strength; 15–18 is national elite; and above 22 is world-class. The formula divides 100 times your total by an exponential bodyweight-dependent denominator, normalising performance across weight classes.

These results are estimates based on general formulas and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making health decisions.

Equipment

Enter Total As

Squat + bench press + deadlift combined.

Enter your details above to calculate your IPF GL Points.

How the Formula Works

  1. Measure your bodyweight in kilograms and record your competition total — the sum of your best squat, bench press, and deadlift in kilograms.

    bw = bodyweight (kg), Total = squat + bench + deadlift (kg)

  2. Select the correct coefficient set for your sex (male/female) and equipment (raw/equipped). Each combination uses a unique set of four parameters a, b, c, d from the IPF Technical Rules appendix.

    Parameters: a, b, c, d — IPF 2024 Technical Rules, Appendix E

  3. Compute the denominator using the exponential model.

    denominator = a × exp(b × bw^c) − d

  4. Divide 100 times your total by the denominator to produce your GL Points score.

    GL Points = 100 × Total / denominator

  5. Compare your score to the performance tiers: Class V (0–5.99), Class IV (6–7.99), Class III (8–9.99), Class II (10–11.99), Class I (12–14.99), Master (15–17.99), Elite (18–21.99), World Class (22+).

How to Interpret Your Results

The IPF GL Points formula produces values in the 5–25+ range for powerlifters, with the denominator calibrated to a theoretical maximum performance level for each bodyweight. Scores below 8 are typical for first-year competitive lifters; 8–12 represents solid local-to-regional competitive strength; 12–15 is national-calibre; 15–18 is elite international; and 22+ is world-record territory. Because GL Points use separate parameter sets for raw and equipped lifting, a raw GL score and an equipped GL score from the same lifter should not be directly compared.

Class V
0–5.99 — Introductory competitive level.
Class IV
6–7.99 — Developing competitive lifter.
Class III
8–9.99 — Recreational competitive level.
Class II
10–11.99 — Solid local-to-regional level.
Class I
12–14.99 — Regional-to-national competitive.
Master
15–17.99 — National elite level.
Elite
18–21.99 — International elite.
World Class
22–9999 — World-record territory.

Limitations

  • GL Points are calibrated to IPF competition data; results are most meaningful when your total reflects a verified competition-style attempt with legal depth, pause, and lockout.
  • The formula produces separate scores for raw and equipped lifting — do not compare raw GL Points to equipped GL Points directly.
  • At very low bodyweights (under 47 kg) or very high bodyweights (over 140 kg) the exponential model may produce slightly less reliable results than at the central bodyweight range.
  • Individual lifters who compete in only one or two of the three powerlifting movements (bench-only, deadlift-only, push-pull) should not use this formula for comparison against full-powerlifting scores.
  • The coefficient values are updated periodically by the IPF; always verify against the current Technical Rules appendix for official competition use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What replaced Wilks in the IPF?
The IPF adopted the GL (Goodlift) Points formula in 2020, replacing the older IPF Points system. GL Points use an exponential model with separate coefficient sets for raw and equipped lifting, which the IPF determined to be more equitable across the full bodyweight spectrum. The Wilks-2 formula (also revised in 2020) remains widely used outside the IPF, and DOTS is used in IPF Open and Masters rankings.
Are IPF GL Points the same as DOTS?
No. Both are bodyweight-normalised powerlifting metrics used by the IPF, but they use different formulas and scales. DOTS uses a 4th-degree polynomial with a numerator of 500. IPF GL Points use an exponential model with a numerator of 100, producing scores roughly in the 50–200 range rather than the 150–600 range typical of Wilks and DOTS. Check which metric your specific federation or meet director is using.
Does the IPF GL formula treat raw and equipped lifters differently?
Yes — this is one of the key improvements over the Wilks formula. The GL formula uses distinct coefficient sets for raw (no supportive equipment) and equipped (squat suit, bench shirt, deadlift suit) lifting. Because equipped lifters can move significantly more weight, the normalisation parameters differ. A raw GL score and an equipped GL score from the same lifter are not directly comparable.
What is a good IPF GL score for a beginner powerlifter?
A typical first-year competitive lifter may achieve GL scores of 50–70 by the end of their first competition season. After two to three years of structured training, reaching 80–95 is a realistic target for most people. Scores above 110 represent serious national-level performance. Genetics, training quality, and programming adherence are the primary drivers of how quickly your GL Points improve.
Can I use this calculator for push-pull or bench-only meets?
The GL formula is designed for the full powerlifting total (squat + bench + deadlift). If you compete in bench-only, deadlift-only, or push-pull formats, this calculator will still produce a number, but it will not be comparable to full-power GL scores. Use the result as a relative indicator of progress within your own training rather than a benchmark against full-power lifters.
How often are the IPF GL coefficients updated?
The IPF reviews and may update the GL coefficients when new competition data suggests the current parameters are producing systematic bias across weight classes. The most recent update was in 2020. Always verify the current coefficients against the published IPF Technical Rules appendix for official competition use. This calculator uses the 2024 Technical Rules coefficients.
How do IPF GL Points compare to Wilks scores numerically?
IPF GL Points and Wilks scores use different scales. A typical competitive lifter might have a Wilks score of 250–400 and a GL score of 80–120 for the same total. The two numbers are not interchangeable. IPF GL Points produce lower numbers because the formula divides by a larger denominator. When comparing your performance over time or against other lifters, always use the same metric consistently.

Check how your individual lifts rank against strength standards for your bodyweight

Strength Standards Calculator

Related Calculators

Wilks / DOTS Score Calculator

Calculate your Wilks-2 and DOTS scores to compare powerlifting performance across bodyweights.

Calculate

Strength Standards Calculator

Compare your lifts to population strength standards by sex and bodyweight for bench, squat, deadlift, and OHP.

Calculate

One Rep Max Calculator

Estimate your one-rep max using Epley, Brzycki, and Lombardi formulas.

Calculate

Deadlift Calculator

Estimate your deadlift one-rep max using Epley and Brzycki formulas with a training load chart.

Calculate

More on This Topic

LiftProof · Guide

How to Improve Your VO2 Max: Evidence-Based Training Methods

Practical Zone 2 and HIIT protocols for improving cardiovascular fitness.

Read more

LiftProof · Guide

Does Strength Training Improve VO2 Max?

The relationship between resistance training and aerobic capacity.

Read more