What DOTS measures#
Absolute totals cannot compare a 60 kg lifter with a 120 kg lifter. DOTS solves this by multiplying your total by a coefficient derived from your bodyweight and sex, producing a single bodyweight-adjusted score. Two lifters with the same DOTS are considered equally strong for their size.
DOTS replaced the older Wilks formula in most federations after Wilks was shown to favor certain weight classes. This calculator shows both, since Wilks is still widely quoted in gyms and older records.
Rough DOTS benchmarks#
| DOTS | Level |
|---|---|
| 200 | Novice — first year of structured training |
| 300 | Intermediate — a solid gym-strong total |
| 400 | Advanced — competitive at national level |
| 500 | Elite — international-level strength |
| 600+ | World class |
Methodology#
The DOTS score is total × 500 ÷ P(bodyweight), where P is a fourth-degree polynomial with published coefficients for men and women, computed on bodyweight in kilograms. Wilks uses the original fifth-degree polynomial coefficients. Pound inputs are converted to kilograms before scoring, matching how federations compute it.
No competition total? Use your best gym singles, or estimate them from rep work with the one rep max calculator.