Powerlifting scoring uses the Dots Score to decide Best Lifter
To calculate an overall winner at a powerlifting meet, you need a way to compare lifters in different weight classes. So, how do you do that?
In short, it comes down to something called the Dots Score.
The Dots Score is simply a ratio between a lifter’s body weight and the weight they’re lifting. Higher numbers are better. Also referred to as a “coefficient,” the dots score allows us to compare a lifters’ strength relative to their body weight. Because it’s a relative metric, it’s currently the gold standard used in most powerlifting scoring today.
Comparison to Wilks and Other Scoring Systems
While the Dots Score formula isn’t perfect, it’s slowly begun to replace the Wilks coefficient over the last couple of years. Many find it a fairer representation of all weight classes, arguing that the Wilks formula favors heavier lifters. In other words, supporters of Dots scoring claim their method provides a more even distribution of coefficients across the full spectrum of weight classes.
Despite its growing popularity, some federations use alternative methods. The IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) is the most notable example. The IPF uses their own system called IPF Points, which uses an entirely different formula. Here’s a detailed explanation of how it works.
Should you care?
The fairness of each system compared to the others is mostly a question of mathematics, and I’m pretty bad at math. However, the strategy for getting a better result out of any of these scoring systems is always the same: the larger the difference between your bodyweight and the amount of weight you can lift, the better your score will be.
My advice? If you’re ever obsessing about these numbers, just focus on getting stronger instead.
Still have questions?Let us know!
It's one thing to read it; it's another to do it. And when you're training without a coach, you need to make sure you know what you're doing.
That's why we're happy to answer anyone's training questions, no membership required!
Simply send us a DM on Instagram, or take our quiz to be paired with one of our coaches!
FAQs
To calculate an overall winner at a powerlifting meet, you need a way to compare lifters in different weight classes. So, how do you do that? In short, it comes down to something called the Dots Score. The Dots Score is simply a ratio between a lifter's body weight and the weight they're lifting.
How is the winner determined in powerlifting? ›
The powerlifting athlete competes in three specific disciplines, each designed to measure different areas of human strength. The sum or total of the best lift in each discipline determines the winner. Powerlifting is an exciting sport where athletes compete against the force of iron as well as other athletes.
How do you win a powerlifting meet? ›
Competitive Powerlifting
All competitors are divided into categories based on their age, gender, and body weight. The winner of a category is the lifter with the highest total weight (sum of the best of each of the three lifts) with any ties going to the competitor with the lower body weight.
How are powerlifting meets scored? ›
As mentioned above, powerlifting is scored by adding up the best squat, bench press, and deadlift performed in competition. For an athlete to become competitive in the sport, it is essential to understand the core lifts and the basic techniques associated with each lift.
How do powerlifting awards work? ›
Each competitor is allowed three attempts at each lift, the best lift in each discipline being added to their total. The lifter with the highest total is the winner.
How are powerlifting competitions judged? ›
To calculate an overall winner at a powerlifting meet, you need a way to compare lifters in different weight classes. So, how do you do that? In short, it comes down to something called the Dots Score. The Dots Score is simply a ratio between a lifter's body weight and the weight they're lifting.
How are winners decided in weightlifting? ›
The winner of the competition is the athlete with the highest combined total. If two lifters are tied, the lifter who achieved the total first wins i.e. the lifter with the lowest clean and jerk weight.
What not to do before a powerlifting meet? ›
Give yourself at least one day to rest between sessions, and preferably at least two or three days of rest before performing the same lift. You'll want to avoid lifting in the 1 to 3-rep max range. And most important of all, get enough calories, sleep at least seven hours each night, and relax!
How do you get disqualified from a powerlifting meet? ›
Failure to stand erect with the shoulders back. Failure to lock the knees straight at the completion of the lift. Supporting the bar on the thighs during the performance of the lift. If the bar edges up the thigh but is not supported this is not reason for disqualification.
How much does it cost to compete in a powerlifting meet? ›
You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $100 for a local meet registration. Yes, you have to pay to be able to pay to lift. So, if you compete once a year, you are looking at about a MINIMUM of $100 just for registration fees.
A 1200 pound 3-lift total (bench press, squats and deadlifts) is more than 95% of gym rats will ever accomplish. A 1500 pound 3-lift total is a huge accomplishment, and will be hard to beat at most local, natural powerlifting meets.
How many powerlifting meets a year should I do? ›
Meet prep itself lasts for about twelve weeks. That means that, at most, you'd be doing around three meets per year. Dedicating adequate time to building your strength is the only way to achieve numbers you're proud of; to have something to show for when you step onto the platform.
How many attempts do you get in a powerlifting meet? ›
For each lift, you get 3 attempts, and after each one you have to write what your next attempt will be on a card and give it to the score table. You can't take back an attempt after you submit it, so make sure you choose it intelligently. You also can't go down in weight from the previous attempt.
How do you determine winner in weightlifting? ›
Today, competitors perform both lifts three times, and their best result in each lift are combined to determine their overall score. The competitor with the highest total score is declared the winner.
What is considered elite in powerlifting? ›
Elite: An exceptional lifter, for males this means the lifter is very likely in the top 10 in the nation for their respective weight class and the lifter may be close to a top 5 ranking among comparable federations for that competition year.
What is a lot number in powerlifting? ›
The lot order numbers are used to determine the order in which the lifters are weighed. Coaches should be aware that the lifter with the lower lot number will lift first if two lifters want to attempt the same weight in the same lifting round.
How is best lifter decided in powerlifting? ›
Powerlifting federations use methods like IPF GL Points, DOTS Score, and Wilks Score, to compare the relative strengths of lifters across different categories. This allows for fair competition and ensures that everyone gets an equal opportunity to get the title of the overall winner.
How are powerlifting points calculated? ›
- Formula. Total = 0: IPFPoints = 0. Total > 0: IPFpoints = 500+100*(Total-(C1*LN(BodyWeight)- ...
- Men Classic 3-Lift. 310,67. 857,785. ...
- Women Classic 3-Lift. 125,1435. 228,03. ...
- Description of the parameters. Total: Total Result of the athlete. BodyWeight: Body weight of the athlet. ...
- Author: Joe Marksteiner. Reviewers:
Rank and classification
There are several classifications in powerlifting determining rank. These typically include Elite, Master, Class I, II, III, IV. The Elite standard is considered to be within the top 1% of competing powerlifters.
