DOTS Score Calculator
DOTS is a powerlifting scoring coefficient developed by Tim Kohlenberg in 2019. It allows lifters of different body weights and sexes to be compared on an equal footing.
The DOTS Formula
DOTS = Total Lifted × Coefficient(body weight)
The coefficient uses a 4th-degree polynomial with sex-specific constants:
Male coefficient = 500 / (−307.75076 + 24.0900756w − 0.1918759221w² + 0.0007391293w³ − 0.000001093w⁴)
Female coefficient = 500 / (−57.96288 + 13.6175032w − 0.1126655495w² + 0.0005158568w³ − 0.0000010706822w⁴)
Where w = body weight in kilograms.
DOTS Score Benchmarks
| Score | Level |
|---|---|
| Below 200 | Beginner |
| 200–300 | Novice |
| 300–400 | Intermediate |
| 400–500 | Advanced |
| 500+ | Elite |
DOTS vs Wilks
Both DOTS and Wilks solve the same problem — comparing powerlifters of different sizes — but DOTS was designed to address two criticisms of Wilks:
- Gender equity: DOTS coefficients produce more equitable comparisons between male and female lifters.
- Body weight extremes: Wilks over-rewards very light lifters and under-rewards very heavy ones. DOTS is more neutral across the full body weight spectrum.
DOTS is now used alongside IPF GL Points in many federations.